Stroke is a medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage to brain cells. It might occur due to various conditions, but carotid artery blockage is the most preventable and important one.
With timely intervention and carotid artery repair, one can safeguard their brain health and reduce the risk of a stroke. In this blog, let’s explore what a carotid artery is, recognize its symptoms, and see how carotid artery repair can help prevent stroke.
What Is Carotid Artery Repair?
Carotid arteries are large blood vessels situated on either side of the neck. They supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain and may become blocked or narrowed over time due to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque and fat deposits on the walls of the artery. This narrowing is called carotid artery stenosis. This condition limits blood flow to the brain and raises the risk of a stroke.
Carotid artery repair is an approach focused on regaining the normal flow of blood to the brain by bypassing or removing the blockage. The approach has two major ways to perform.
- Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): This procedure will be performed by opening the carotid artery and removing the plaque deposit. It is usually suggested for patients who are at a high risk of stroke with unusual stenosis.
- Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS): This method is a minimally invasive one that utilizes a small mesh-like tube or stent to widen the narrowed artery to keep it open. Carotid artery stenting is often recommended for patients who are not eligible for open surgery because of other underlying health disorders.
The carotid artery stent surgery in Coimbatore can help with the healthy flow of blood, considerably decreasing the risk of stroke and boosting neurological health.
What Are The Symptoms Of Carotid Artery To Watch Out For?
Carotid artery disease normally doesn’t exhibit any crucial indications till something severe happens, including a transient ischemic attack or a stroke. It grows gradually, but a few important indications might exhibit lessened blood supply to the brain.
1) Sudden Weakness or Numbness: You may encounter numbness or sudden weakness, mainly on one side of your body, including your face, arms, and legs.
2) Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech: Stammering while speaking or confusion can indicate a transient ischemic attack or a stroke.
3) Vision Problems: Blurred eyesight or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
4) Lightheadedness or Loss of Balance: Difficulty walking steadily or vertigo.
5) Severe Headache: An intense yet sudden headache might come with lessened blood supply to the brain.
Experiencing any of the above indications needs immediate medical intervention so that you can prevent irreversible brain impairment.
Can Carotid Artery Repair Help With Stroke Prevention?
Yes, carotid artery repair is pivotal for stroke prevention, specifically for patients who have significant stenosis. Recent studies reveal that people who undergo carotid stenting or endarterectomy have a significantly lower risk of stroke. While others who get only medical management do not.
By regaining proper blood supply, the carotid artery repair:
- Decreases the Chance of Clots: Blockages can shift and move to the brain, leading to ischemic stroke.
- Increases Oxygen Flow: A stable supply of blood with rich oxygen content is vital for the function of the brain.
- Prevents Recurrent Ischemic Attacks: Carotid artery repair prevents transient ischemic attacks or strokes and also prevents them from recurring.
Carotid artery repair is often considered when the blockage is moderate or severe. It is also recommended when there are symptoms of stroke. For minor narrowing that has no symptoms, professionals might suggest regular monitoring and medical therapy before surgical procedures. Hence, consulting with the interventional radiologist in Coimbatore ensures proper diagnosis and expert treatment to reduce the chance of stroke.
How Can Carotid Artery Blockage Be Treated?
Treatment relies on the seriousness of stenosis and general health. Regular treatments are:
1) Lifestyle Adjustments: Eating a nutritious diet, quitting smoking, working out regularly, and managing cholesterol levels and blood pressure slow down the development of atherosclerosis.
2) Medications: Medicines assist in hindering the development of lumps and lower plaque deposition.
3) Interventional or Surgical Procedures: Stenting is effective for patients with serious blockage or high-level risk of stroke.
Selecting the correct treatment requires an assessment by a vascular specialist, taking into consideration the age, health, condition, and medical history of the patient.
Conclusion
Carotid artery disease is a silent but much more severe condition. If not treated, it can cause permanent brain damage or a stroke. It is pivotal to recognize the signs at the earliest stage and seek medical care immediately.
Carotid artery repair helps in restoring the flow of blood, preventing strokes, and protecting brain health. By combining the carotid artery repair method with proper medications and lifestyle adjustments, you can preserve your neurological health.
Making carotid artery health a priority improves quality of life, overall well-being, and cognitive function while preventing stroke. You can protect your brain health in the years to come with ongoing evaluation and prompt treatment.
