Carotid Artery Stenosis

Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of one or both of the carotid arteries. These blood vessels supply blood to your brain. They can be narrowed and damaged by the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque (say "plak"). If this plaque breaks open, it may form a blood clot. A blood clot could move to the brain and cause a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Current as of: September 21, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Ethan A. Halm, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine