Carotid Stenosis :
Two major carotid arteries on both sides of the neck supply blood directly from the heart to the brain. Any narrowing or blockage within these carotid arteries leads to improper blood flow to the brain. It is called carotid artery stenosis. This blockage is formed due to plaque or atherosclerosis. Carotid stenosis needs to be treated promptly, if not, it can lead to death. Symptoms of a patient with carotid stenosis may include slurring of speech, losing eye vision, drooping of one side of the face, and muscle weakness. Patients with unhealthy lifestyles like heavy smoking, alcohol abuse, sedentary lifestyle, dyslipidemia, and a strong family history of stroke are more prone to develop carotid artery stenosis. Diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis is done by certain investigations like carotid doppler, cerebral angiography, CT angiography and MRI. Treatment includes the administration of medicines like antiplatelets, antihypertensives, statins, and anticoagulants. Interventions like carotid angiogram, angioplasty, and carotid endarterectomy might also be advised along with lifestyle changes.