Strokes secondary to carotid stenosis form only a small percentage of these strokes. The occlusion of the artery usually develops slowly. Atherosclerotic plaque does not necessarily cause stroke . There are many small blood vessels around the carotid arteries. If there is enough collateral circulation, even a totally blocked artery may not cause neurologic deficits.
Risks are the same as for stroke secondary to atherosclerosis.
An examination may include neurologic, motor, and sensory examination to determine the specific neurologic deficits present, because they often correspond closely to the location of the injury to the brain. A bruit, an abnormal sound heard with the stethoscope, may be heard over the carotid arteries of the neck. See Stroke . Medications to control blood cholesterol levels may be required. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in developed countries.