Can a blockage in the neck cause a stroke?

There are two large arteries in the neck, one on each side. They are the carotid arteries, and they carry blood to the brain. If one of them is narrowed or blocked, it can lead to a stroke. Doctors can test for a narrowed carotid artery, but it’s usually not a good idea.

What are the warning signs of a blocked carotid artery?

Carotid Artery Disease Affects the Brain The sudden onset of numbness or weakness in the limbs and/or face (an entire side of the body may be affected). Visual problems affecting one or both eyes. Difficulty understanding others and/or slurred speech. The onset of a severe headache that has no known cause.

Is a blocked carotid artery a stroke?

If the narrowing of the carotid arteries becomes severe enough that blood flow is blocked, it can cause a stroke. If a piece of plaque breaks off it can also block blood flow to the brain. This too can cause a stroke.

What is the treatment for blocked arteries in the neck?

Carotid endarterectomy is the traditional surgical treatment for carotid artery disease. Carotid endarterectomy has been proven to be beneficial for symptomatic patients with a 50 percent or greater carotid stenosis (blockage) and for asymptomatic patients with a 60 percent or greater carotid stenosis.

Can you feel a blocked artery in your neck?

You can’t feel it but may have symptoms. Arteries with plaque build-up and blockage are not typically able to picked up or discovered just by feeling the artery. Oftentimes an artery can be blocked and still have a pulse. An ultrasound is often the least invasive and most cost-effective way to detect blockage in the neck arteries.

What are the symptoms of a neck artery blockage?

Complete Blockage of a Carotid Artery. Complete clogging of the carotid arteries is uncommon.

How bad is blocked artery?

A blocked artery is really dangerous and not just because it will prevent blood flow to important parts of the body. It’s also dangerous because the built up cholesterol can dislodge from where it is and move in the blood stream and block other arteries and veins.