FAQs About Carotid Blockage | Neurological Surgery

How did I get carotid occlusive disease?

Your arteries most likely became narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in your blood vessels. That plaque buildup often occurs as a result of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, or obesity. Carotid occlusive disease also has a family component, so having a family history of stroke increases your own risk of having carotid stenosis or carotid occlusion. Find out more about Carotid Occlusive Disease.

Why is a carotid blockage dangerous?

If an artery becomes completely blocked (which is called carotid occlusion) or if piece of the blockage breaks off and travels to a smaller vessel where it completely blocks blood flow, a part of the brain may be completely deprived of oxygen, leading to the destruction of brain tissue. This is what happens during the event we call a stroke, or a “brain attack.” There are nearly half a million strokes each year in the United States, and it’s the third leading cause of death. Stroke claims 140,000 American lives a year — and half of those fatal strokes can be traced to carotid occlusion.

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Philip StiegPhD, MD

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