Carotid Stenosis Specialist

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic

General and Vascular Surgery located in Suwanee/Johns Creek, GA

Nearly 800,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke every year. Carotid stenosis, which is the stiffening of your carotid artery, increases your risk of having a stroke. The experienced team at North Atlanta Vascular Clinic, with offices in Suwanee/Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming and Lawrenceville, GA, specializes in the diagnosis and management of carotid stenosis. For an assessment of vascular health, call the office nearest you today or request an appointment online.

Carotid Stenosis Q & A

What is carotid stenosis?

Carotid stenosis is a condition that refers to the stiffening and narrowing of your carotid artery, which is the primary blood vessel to your brain, due to the buildup of fatty deposits along the blood vessel wall. The narrowing of the blood vessel may deprive your brain of oxygen or increase your risk of stroke.

You may be at risk of developing carotid stenosis if you have a history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, smoke cigarettes, or are obese. Not getting enough exercise may also increase your risk.

What are the symptoms of carotid stenosis?

Carotid stenosis often develops without showing any signs or symptoms. You may not know the blood vessel is narrowing until you’ve had a stroke or you’ve experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a lack of oxygen to your brain.

Signs and symptoms of a stroke or TIA include the sudden onset of:

• Difficulty speaking
• Numbness in your face or extremities
• Difficulty seeing
• Loss of balance
• Severe headache

You should seek medical attention right away if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.

How is carotid stenosis diagnosed?

Your specialist at North Atlanta Vascular Clinic conducts a thorough examination to see if your symptoms are related to carotid stenosis. Your examination may include:

• Complete physical
• Review of your symptoms and medical history
• Listening to your carotid artery
• Test of your mental and physical capabilities

To confirm that your carotid artery is narrow, your specialist may conduct diagnostic testing, such as a carotid ultrasound, to get a better look at the blood vessel.

What is the treatment for carotid stenosis?

Treatment for your carotid stenosis may depend on the severity of your blockage. If your blockage is mild, your specialist may suggest lifestyle modification or prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol or blood pressure.

If your blockage is severe, or you’ve suffered a stroke or TIA, then our vein specialist may recommend a carotid angioplasty or stenting to improve blood flow to your brain.

Carotid stenosis progresses slowly over time. Getting a diagnosis early can help you make the changes you need to reduce your risk of having a stroke or TIA. For an evaluation, call North Atlanta Vascular Clinic today, or request an appointment online.