Carotid Stenosis
What Is Carotid Stenosis?
Carotid stenosis happens when plaque builds up in the arteries on either side of your neck. These arteries supply blood to your brain. As plaque collects, the space inside the artery narrows, and blood has a harder time getting through.
It usually doesn’t cause pain. But the damage can grow quietly — until it causes a stroke.
Your carotid arteries are the main highways that carry blood to your brain. When they narrow or get blocked — a condition called carotid stenosis — your brain may not get the oxygen it needs.
This can lead to a stroke. But you can take steps before it gets there.
Signs and Symptoms
Carotid stenosis can be hard to notice. Some people never feel a thing. Others may have warning signs, including:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg — especially on one side
- Trouble speaking or understanding words
- Blurred or lost vision in one eye
- Dizziness or loss of balance
Even if the symptoms go away quickly, they may be a sign of a mini-stroke. That’s your body’s warning. Don’t wait.
What Causes It?
The main cause is atherosclerosis — a buildup of fat and cholesterol on artery walls. Over time, these deposits turn into plaque that narrows or blocks the flow of blood.
Things that raise your risk include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- A family history of stroke or heart disease
- Getting older
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on how narrow your artery is, and whether you’ve had symptoms.
Your care team will look at your full picture — your health, lifestyle, and goals — to build a plan that fits you. Treatment may include:
- Medicine to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and clotting
- Lifestyle changes like eating better, moving more, or quitting smoking
- Surgery or stenting to open the artery when it’s more severely blocked
Every option centers around helping you lower your stroke risk — and live with peace of mind.
When You’re Ready
You don’t have to wait for something worse to happen. If you’re at risk or noticing symptoms, your care team is here to listen. Testing is simple and often quick. Answers can bring clarity. And from there, you’ll know what comes next — with someone walking beside you.
Why Choose CHRISTUS Health
You deserve care that sees you as more than your symptoms. At CHRISTUS Health, your story matters — every worry, every hope, every step forward.
Here, caregivers take the time to listen before they act, to hold your hand before a procedure, and to celebrate each small milestone with you. Care is close to home, shaped around your needs, and ready when you are.
From your first visit to your last follow-up, you’ll have a team that treats you like family — walking with you through the hard days and cheering you on through the better ones.
Because your health journey isn’t just about getting better. It’s about feeling understood, supported, and never alone.