Stroke And Carotid Artery Disease
Vascular / Endovascular Surgery
What Is A Stroke?
A stroke can occur when blood flow is reduced or briefly blocked to the brain. This can result in brain tissue damage which affects neurologic functions such as speech or the ability to move. Stroke can happen by way of lack of blood or even bleeding into the brain. Almost 90% of strokes are a result of lack of flow or ischemia.
Why Should You Care About Strokes?
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the fifth cause of death in the US. Almost 800,000 Americans suffer from stroke every year.
The factors that you can control are hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, alcohol use, tobacco use, carotid stenosis and obesity. Factors that are beyond your control are age, race, sex and ethnicity.
Stroke can have a variety of symptoms but commonly paralysis on one side of the body, speech difficulties, confusion, decreased motor function and change in vision.
If you are concerned that you may be having a stroke you should call 911 and proceed to the nearest emergency room.
The carotid arteries are two major blood vessels that travel through your neck to the skull and carry oxygen to your brain. Carotid disease occurs when plaque (build up of fat, cholesterol, other substances) forms along the walls. As the plaque builds up this may cause restriction in the flow to your brain and may result in stroke.
At minimum, you will need to have your risk factors modified by lifestyle changes and/or medication. We at OC Surgeons are well equipped with all surgical tools to treat your carotid disease including open carotid surgery (carotid endarterectomy), carotid stenting, and a new way of treatment called TCAR (transcervical carotid artery revascularization). See out resources section for information regarding each of these treatments.
Discuss with your medical doctor or call our office to schedule a consultation with a vascular surgeon to discuss carotid artery disease and the many ways we are able to treat this disease.
