Conditions & Treatments

Carotid Disease & Stroke Prevention

The carotid arteries in the neck supply the brain. Plaque buildup there can narrow the artery, and fragments can break off and travel to the brain — causing a stroke or a “mini-stroke” (TIA). Treating significant carotid disease is one of the most effective things we can do to prevent stroke. Often it's found on a screening ultrasound or after a doctor hears a sound (bruit) in the neck; sometimes it announces itself with temporary symptoms that must never be ignored.

Common signs

  • Often none — found on ultrasound or exam
  • Brief episodes of weakness or numbness on one side
  • Temporary loss of vision in one eye (“a shade coming down”)
  • Sudden trouble speaking — even if it passes in minutes, it's an emergency

How I treat it

  • Carotid ultrasound — in our office lab, with RPVI-certified interpretation
  • Medical management — coordinated with your primary doctor and cardiologist when surgery isn't needed; surveillance ultrasounds to watch stable plaque
  • TCAR (transcarotid artery revascularization) — a minimally invasive stenting approach that uses flow reversal to prevent debris from migrating to the brain during the procedure
  • Carotid endarterectomy — the time-tested open operation to remove the plaque directly
Ready to be seen?
Request an appointment online, or call — new consultations are seen quickly.
Request an Appointment Call (408) 376-3626