Carotid Artery Disease
Team-based Approach
A Stroke is a major neurological event that can have a devastating effect on an individual's daily function and quality of life. A large proportion of strokes are ischemic in nature (the other major form being hemorrhagic). A certain percentage of ischemic strokes occur due to atheroembolic disease originating from the carotid arteries.
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Embolic complications from carotid stenosis range from transient ischemic attacks (sometimes called TIAs or mini-strokes) that result in temporary loss of function (visual, speech, sensory, or motor) to more serious strokes that may result in permanent impairment.
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The management of carotid stenosis involves a team-based approach that includes Neurology, Vascular Surgery, and sometimes Interventional Radiology and Neurosurgery, among others. In eligible patients, the gold-standard treatment involves a carotid endarterectomy, in which the atherosclerotic plaque is surgically removed and the artery repaired. Studies confirm that patients with carotid-related TIAs have the greatest benefit if operated on within the first 14 days after the initial insult.
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Please see your doctor for urgent assessment should you experience any symptoms suggestive of a stroke, as early management has been shown to result in improved outcomes.