If there is blockage of a larger vessel or the blockage doesn t break up right away, a stroke results. Blockage of the vertebral arteries usually causes symptoms because of decreased blood flow to part of the brain, not because of pieces of plaque and clot breaking off. The symptoms of blockage of these vessels may get better and worse, or they may suddenly appear if a stroke occurs. Extracranial atherosclerosis should be treated when it is found. Blood thinners are given during the procedure and for a short time after to keep the vessel open as it starts to heal.
Patients can usually go home later the same day or the next day.