Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke each year. Many cases are due to carotid artery disease. This happens when fatty deposits, called plaques, block blood vessels to the brain and head.

The carotid arteries are key in bringing oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If these arteries get blocked, it can cause serious health problems, including stroke.

It’s important to know the signs of a blocked artery in the neck. Spotting these symptoms early can help prevent serious issues.

Key Takeaways

• Carotid artery disease is a big risk for stroke.
• Blocked carotid arteries can cause serious health problems.
• Spotting symptoms early is key to prevention.
• Understanding carotid artery disease can save lives.
• Quick medical help is vital to stop strokes.

Understanding the Carotid Artery System

The carotid arteries are in the neck and carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain. You have two of them, one on each side. They are key to keeping your brain healthy.

Anatomy of the carotid arteries

The carotid arteries are big blood vessels in the neck. They bring blood to the brain, face, and neck. They start from the aortic arch and go up the neck, splitting into internal and external branches.

How carotid arteries supply blood to the brain

The carotid arteries are vital for brain blood supply. They split into the internal carotid artery, which goes straight to the brain. The external carotid artery goes to the face and neck.

Internal vs. external carotid arteries

The internal carotid artery mainly feeds the brain’s front part. The external carotid artery goes to the face and neck. Knowing the difference is key for treating carotid artery issues.

Common carotid artery function

The common carotid artery is the main trunk for the internal and external carotid arteries. It’s essential for blood flow to the brain and head.

Artery	Function	Region Supplied
Internal Carotid Artery	Supplies blood to the brain	Anterior circulation of the brain
External Carotid Artery	Supplies blood to the face and neck	Face and neck regions
Common Carotid Artery	Main trunk for internal and external carotid arteries	Neck and head regions

What Causes Carotid Artery Blockage?

Atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, is a main cause of carotid artery blockage. This happens when fatty deposits, known as plaques, build up in the carotid arteries. These arteries are key for blood flow to the brain.

Atherosclerosis and Plaque Buildup

Atherosclerosis leads to plaques in the arterial walls, causing them to narrow or harden. As plaques grow, they can rupture or become dislodged. This can block the artery further or travel to smaller brain arteries, possibly causing a stroke.

Risk Factors for Carotid Stenosis

Several risk factors contribute to carotid stenosis, divided into modifiable and non-modifiable factors.

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Smoking: It greatly increases the risk of carotid artery disease.
• High Blood Pressure: It strains the arterial walls, speeding up plaque buildup.
• High Cholesterol: High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause plaque formation.
• Diabetes: It raises the risk of atherosclerosis.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age: Risk grows with age.
• Family History: A family history of carotid artery disease or stroke increases risk.
• Gender: Men are generally at higher risk than women.

As

“The American Heart Association emphasizes that managing modifiable risk factors is key to preventing carotid artery disease.”

Knowing these causes and risk factors is vital for prevention and early action.

Early Warning Signs of Carotid Artery Disease

It’s important to know the early signs of carotid artery disease. This is because the disease often doesn’t show symptoms in its early stages. It can only be detected when it’s severe enough to cut off brain blood flow, leading to a stroke or TIA.

Subtle symptoms often overlooked

Early signs can be very subtle and might be mistaken for other issues. For example, slight dizziness or minor vision changes could be seen as just being tired or having a minor problem.

Neck pain and discomfort

Neck pain or discomfort can signal carotid artery disease. This pain comes from inflammation or irritation of the carotid artery. It’s key to remember that not all neck pain is from this disease. But, if the pain is persistent or severe, see a doctor.

Pulsatile sensations in the neck

A pulsatile sensation or a throbbing feeling in the neck can also be a sign of carotid artery disease. This happens because of abnormal blood flow through the carotid arteries. People might feel this sensation when touching their neck or even without touching it.

Symptom	Description
Neck Pain	Discomfort or pain in the neck due to inflammation or irritation
Pulsatile Sensations	Throbbing or abnormal sensations in the neck
Transient Symptoms	Mild or temporary symptoms that may not be immediately recognized as carotid artery disease

Neurological Symptoms of Carotid Artery Blockage

It’s important to know the neurological symptoms of carotid artery blockage early. This is because carotid artery stenosis can cause many symptoms. These happen because the brain doesn’t get enough blood.

Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Dizziness and lightheadedness are common signs of carotid artery disease. They happen when the brain doesn’t get enough blood. This can make you feel like you’re going to fall or faint.

Vision Changes and Disturbances

Vision changes are a big warning sign of carotid artery blockage. These can be anything from temporary blindness to blurred or double vision.

Temporary Blindness in One Eye

Temporary blindness in one eye is called amaurosis fugax. It’s a sign that the carotid artery is blocked. It’s a warning that you need to see a doctor.

Blurred or Double Vision

Blurred or double vision can happen when blood flow to the eyes or brain is low. These symptoms might go away on their own. But, you should see a doctor right away.

Speech Difficulties

Speech difficulties, like slurred speech or trouble finding words, can be a sign of carotid artery blockage. This happens when the brain’s language centers don’t get enough blood.

Symptom	Description	Possible Cause
Dizziness	Feeling of imbalance or fainting	Inadequate blood supply to the brain
Temporary Blindness	Loss of vision in one eye	Carotid artery blockage
Speech Difficulties	Slurred speech or difficulty finding words	Reduced blood flow to language centers

It’s key to recognize these symptoms early. If you or someone you know is showing these signs, get medical help right away.

Physical Symptoms of Blocked Neck Arteries

It’s important to know the signs of blocked neck arteries. These signs can be subtle but serious. They need quick medical attention.

Weakness or Numbness on One Side of the Body

Weakness or numbness on one side of the body is a common sign. This happens when blood flow to the brain is cut off. It affects how you move and feel things.

If you feel sudden weakness or numbness, get help right away.

Facial Drooping or Asymmetry

Facial drooping or asymmetry is another warning sign. A blocked carotid artery can reduce blood flow to the face. This causes the face to droop or look uneven.

This could mean a bigger problem like a stroke is coming.

Balance and Coordination Problems

Blocked neck arteries can also mess with balance and coordination. The brain can’t control balance as well. This leads to feeling dizzy or unsteady.

If your balance or coordination gets worse, see a doctor fast.

Symptom	Description	Possible Outcome if Untreated
Weakness or Numbness	Reduced blood flow to the brain affecting motor control and sensation.	Potential stroke or permanent damage.
Facial Drooping	Reduced blood flow to facial muscles.	Increased risk of stroke or facial paralysis.
Balance and Coordination Issues	Affects the brain’s ability to control balance.	Risk of falls, injuries, or stroke.

Knowing these symptoms can help catch blocked neck arteries early. If you or someone you know has these signs, get medical help quickly.

Transient Ischemic Attacks: Warning Signs of Carotid Stenosis

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary block in the brain’s blood supply. It often shows signs of carotid stenosis. Even though it’s short-lived, it raises the risk of a more serious stroke.

What is a TIA or “mini-stroke”?

A TIA, or “mini-stroke,” is a brief condition that feels like a stroke but goes away in 24 hours. It warns that the brain might not get enough blood. This usually happens because of a blockage or narrowing in the carotid arteries.

Common TIA symptoms

The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke. They may include:

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Vision changes, including blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe headache

Duration and pattern of TIA symptoms

TIA symptoms are short-lived, usually lasting a few minutes to hours. They can come back. The time and how often they happen can vary a lot.

Symptom Duration	Pattern of Occurrence	Implication
Less than 24 hours	Single or multiple episodes	High risk of subsequent stroke
Typically a few minutes to hours	Can be recurrent	Indicates carotid stenosis or other vascular issues

Why TIAs require immediate medical attention

TIAs are a medical emergency because they mean a higher risk of a full stroke. Getting medical help right away is key to avoid a serious or deadly stroke. Quick action can greatly lower the chance of another stroke.

Immediate action is required if you or someone you know is having TIA symptoms. Don’t wait to see if they go away by themselves. Get medical help right away.

How Carotid Artery Blockage Can Lead to Stroke

Carotid artery disease is a major cause of strokes, affecting about 10% of cases. A stroke is a serious medical emergency. It can damage the brain, cause muscle weakness, and even be fatal. Understanding the link between carotid artery blockage and stroke is key to early detection and treatment.

Mechanism of Stroke from Carotid Stenosis

Carotid artery blockage can lead to stroke by cutting off blood flow to the brain. When the artery narrows or gets blocked by plaque, blood flow drops or stops. This can cause a stroke.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms (FAST Method)

The FAST method helps spot stroke symptoms. It stands for:

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
• Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
• Time: Time is critical. If symptoms show, call for emergency services right away.

Time-Sensitive Nature of Stroke Treatment

Stroke treatment must happen quickly. The sooner medical help is given, the less brain damage there will be. Treatments include clot-busting drugs or mechanical thrombectomy.

Symptom	Description	Action
Face Drooping	One side of the face droops when smiling	Call emergency services
Arm Weakness	One arm drifts downward when raised	Call emergency services
Speech Difficulty	Speech is slurred or difficult to understand	Call emergency services

Differences Between Left and Right Carotid Artery Symptoms

It’s important to know the differences in symptoms between left and right carotid artery blockages. The carotid arteries are two vital blood vessels in the neck. They supply blood to the brain. A blockage in these arteries can cause different symptoms based on the side affected.

Left Carotid Artery Blockage Manifestations

A blockage in the left carotid artery can affect the left side of the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as:

• Weakness or numbness on the right side of the body
• Difficulty with speech and language processing
• Vision changes or disturbances

Right Carotid Artery Blockage Manifestations

Blockage in the right carotid artery impacts the right side of the brain. Symptoms include:

• Weakness or numbness on the left side of the body
• Spatial awareness and processing difficulties
• Vision disturbances

Bilateral Carotid Stenosis Symptoms

When both carotid arteries are affected (bilateral carotid stenosis), symptoms can be more severe. They may include:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Syncope or fainting spells
• Global neurological deficits

The symptoms of carotid artery blockage vary greatly. They depend on whether the left, right, or both arteries are blocked. Knowing these differences is critical for timely medical care.

Diagnosing Blocked Carotid Arteries

Diagnosing carotid artery disease requires a mix of physical exams and advanced imaging. It’s key to spot those at risk of stroke early. This way, we can start the right treatment.

Physical Examination Techniques

A detailed physical exam is the first step. Doctors use different methods to check for carotid stenosis.

Carotid Bruit Detection

Listening for a carotid bruit is a big part of the exam. This sound over the artery might mean blood flow is not smooth.

Neurological Assessment

Doctors also check for any signs of nerve damage. This could be weakness or numbness on one side.

Imaging Tests for Carotid Stenosis

Imaging tests are vital for confirming the diagnosis and measuring stenosis.

Carotid Ultrasound

Carotid ultrasound uses sound waves to see the arteries. It helps spot plaque and stenosis without surgery.

CT Angiography and MR Angiography

CT and MR angiography give detailed views of the arteries. They help doctors understand how severe the stenosis is and plan treatment.

Diagnostic Method	Description	Advantages
Carotid Ultrasound	Non-invasive test using sound waves	No radiation, quick results
CT Angiography	Detailed imaging using CT scans	High-resolution images, accurate stenosis assessment
MR Angiography	Detailed imaging using MRI	No radiation, excellent soft tissue visualization

Treatment Options for Carotid Artery Stenosis

There are many ways to treat carotid artery stenosis. These include medicine, surgery, and lifestyle changes. The right treatment depends on how bad the stenosis is and the patient’s health.

Medical Management Approaches

Medical management is key in treating carotid artery stenosis. It aims to lower risks that make the disease worse.

Antiplatelet Medications

Antiplatelet medications like aspirin and clopidogrel help prevent blood clots. This reduces the chance of stroke.

Statins and Cholesterol Management

Statins help lower cholesterol and make plaques stable. Managing cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medicine is important.

Surgical Interventions

For some, surgery is needed to clear the blockage.

Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid endarterectomy removes plaque from the carotid artery. It’s a proven treatment for severe stenosis.

Carotid Artery Stenting

Carotid artery stenting is a less invasive option. A stent is placed to keep the artery open. It’s often chosen for those at high surgical risk.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes are also important. Quitting smoking, eating healthy, exercising, and keeping a healthy weight are key.

Combining medicine, surgery, and lifestyle changes helps patients with carotid artery stenosis. It lowers stroke risk and improves health.

Conclusion: When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to know the signs of carotid artery disease. If you feel dizzy, see changes in your vision, or have weakness on one side, get help fast. These could be signs of a stroke.

Even if these symptoms go away quickly, see a doctor right away. Waiting too long can cause serious problems and bad outcomes.

Knowing the signs and when to see a doctor can help you get the right care quickly. If you notice anything strange, don’t wait. Get medical help right away.

FAQ

References

The Lancet. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01839-9/fulltext