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Playing a crucial role in supplying blood to the brain, blockages in the carotid arteries contribute to nearly one-third of all strokes. The experienced vascular surgeons at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates specialize in reinstating blood flow to the carotid arteries, employing both open and endovascular techniques.
Contact our offices in Wildomar, Temecula, Hemet, or Corona, California, today, or use the online booking feature to schedule an evaluation and explore life-saving carotid artery options.
What is the carotid artery?
You have two carotid arteries located on both sides of your neck. The carotid arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your brain, face, and neck.
What conditions affect the carotid arteries?
The following three conditions commonly develop in your carotid arteries.
Carotid artery disease
Carotid artery disease is when one of the arteries develops a buildup of cholesterol and other fats (atherosclerosis). Over time, the fatty plaque enlarges and hardens, increasingly narrowing the artery and limiting blood flow.
Carotid aneurysm
A carotid aneurysm occurs when part of the artery wall weakens and fills with blood, causing a balloon-type bulge. Aneurysms may enlarge and rupture or develop blood clots that could break free and cause a stroke.
Carotid body tumor
Tumors inside the carotid arteries are rare and usually noncancerous. Still, they can grow large enough to affect the blood vessels and press on nerves.
What symptoms occur due to carotid artery conditions?
All three conditions mentioned above only cause symptoms if the blockage, aneurysm, or growth gets too large. Then you may experience any of the following:
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Facial swelling
- Tongue numbness
- Stroke symptoms
Stroke symptoms include:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of your face or body
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty understanding others
- Changes in vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden, severe headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
Call 911 immediately to get emergency care if you have signs of a stroke.
How are carotid artery conditions treated?
The skilled Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates team diagnoses the cause of your symptoms and recommends one of the following treatments.
Carotid artery disease
When the plaque gets large enough to block blood flow significantly, your surgeon performs a minimally invasive procedure, such as angioplasty and stenting or transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR).
Some people may need a carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure in which your provider makes a small incision, removes the plaque, and closes the artery with stitches or a graft.
Carotid aneurysm
When an aneurysm gets large enough to need treatment, your surgeon performs endovascular stent grafting (a minimally invasive procedure to reinforce the artery with a stent) or surgical aneurysm repair.
Carotid body tumor
You may need surgery to remove the tumor, depending on its size and your symptoms.
Call Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today or connect online to schedule an evaluation and get treatment recommendations for carotid artery conditions.