For instance, those with a heart infection may be given antibiotics. Those with arteritis are often given corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation in the brain. If an individual has significant narrowing of the carotid arteries, a carotid endarterectomy may be recommended to widen them. This surgical procedure removes the cholesterol plaques and may prevent future strokes. The decision to perform surgery will depend on the person's neurological status, the type of plaque clogging the artery, and whether the plaque has a break in it, known as a rupture.
Side effects depend on the treatments used.
For instance, aspirin may cause allergic reactions , stomach upset, or bleeding. Clot-busting medications can cause excessive bleeding. A ventilator may sometimes cause damage to the lungs or an infection. A carotid artery endarterectomy can cause bleeding, infections, and allergic reactions to the anesthesia . On rare occasions, carotid endarterectomy can cause a stroke or heart attack to occur.