Last Updated on August 20, 2024
One of the organs that are depended on by the body is blood vessels which allow the flow of oxygenated blood to important body organs.
From these, the carotid arteries which are situated on the two sides of the neck are very important because they supply blood to the brain.
If then these arteries are blocked, the consequences are disastrous because reduced blood flow to the brain means that the organ gets very little supply of oxygen this condition is called a blocked artery in neck.
Understanding a Blocked Artery in the Neck
The human body uses a system of blood vessels to supply blood and oxygen to other parts of the body such as vital organs.
Of all these vessels, the carotid ones, which lie on the sides of the neck, are the most important, as they furnish the brain with blood.
Carotid artery disease is a condition that arises when these arteries get blocked and this generally occurs due to the formation of plaques inside the arteries.
A blocked artery in neck is not very healthy, mainly resulting in strokes that may have severe implications.
There are a few things that one should know about a blocked artery in neck: signs and symptoms, related hazards, and the ways of treatment.
Carotid artery disease or a blocked artery in neck is broadly caused by atherosclerosis, which is the formation of plaques within the arteries.
Plaque is a combination of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials that is carried in the bloodstream. Over time, it accumulates, and the artery begins to become less wide, thus lessening the blood supply to the brain.
Common Symptoms of a Blocked Artery in the Neck
Many people may not experience noticeable symptoms until the artery is significantly narrowed or a stroke occurs. However, some key warning signs can indicate the presence of a blocked artery in neck.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
This is also known as ‘mini-strokes,’ and although they present the same symptoms as full strokes, they are not lethal.
They occur when the arteries that supply blood to the brain are blocked artery neck and only briefly cause a shortage of blood supply.
Sudden, Severe Headaches
The cutting off of blood flow to any part of the brain can cause a sudden headache and depending on the severity of the arty, the associated neurological signs may be manifest.
If the headache arises from a blocked artery in neck, then it is usually protracted and significantly more serious; the patient may also experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting and the like.
Dizziness and Loss of Balance
If a carotid artery becomes blocked and reduces blood circulation to the brain then some individuals may become lightheaded and have difficulty with balance or coordination.
Numbness or Weakness in the Limbs
Cervical artery disease can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness again, usually on one side of the body because blocked artery in neck.
This is so because decreased blood flow affects the capacity of the brain to coordinate and regulate muscle movements.
Unexplained Fatigue and Confusion
Some of the thinking difficulties, which are considered the possible symptoms of a blocked artery in neck, include confusion, inability to concentrate, or the feeling of extremely tiredness.
Risks Associated with a Blocked Neck Artery
The most significant risk associated with a blocked artery in the neck is the potential for a stroke.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
A blocked artery in the neck is one of the leading causes of ischemic strokes, which account for about 87% of all strokes.
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke is caused by the occlusion of the arteries in the neck, thus forming a clot or a plaque particle that will go to the brain.
This blockage stops blood from getting to part of the brain; as a result, brain cells die and could indefinitely harm or kill the patient.
Cognitive Decline
Slowing circulation due to a blocked artery in neck may lead to dementia even if a stroke has not happened.
This can lead to symptoms like memory loss, trouble focusing, and other signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Blocked artery in neck is commonly related to atherosclerosis disease, therefore, a patient can have atherosclerosis in other arteries such as those that supply blood to the heart.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
A blocked artery in neck can sometimes suggest the case of peripheral artery disease which is a disease involving the obstruction of arteries supplying blood to the limbs.
Treatment Options for a Blocked Artery in the Neck
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the blockage, the patient’s overall health, and their risk factors:
Lifestyle Changes
People diagnosed with a partially blocked artery in neck have no symptoms for those with mild and moderate blockage, their doctors recommend that they make certain changes in their habits.
They are; maintaining a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, exercising, not smoking, and managing hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes respectively.
Medications
There are traditional drugs that are often recommended to treat the signs and tendencies because of a shut artery in the throat.
Aspirin is the frequently used antiplatelet medicine and cholesterol reduction and plaque stabilization are brought by statins.
There are anti-hypertensive drugs that are administered in the treatment and control of hypertension thereby reducing the likelihood of stroke.
Carotid Endarterectomy
In case of strong stenosis, which is equal or more than 70%, it is suggested to perform carotid endarterectomy.
This operation entails an incision to the neck in order to gain access to the carotid artery from which the source of the blockage; plaque is surgically eased out.
CEA has been found to dramatically decrease the risk of a stroke in patients with a severely narrowed artery in the neck.
Carotid Artery Stenting
Carotid artery stenting is another option for a carotid endarterectomy which is a minimally invasive approach to the surgery.
In this procedure, a catheter is passed through an incision that is made at the groin, and a balloon is used to open the constrained artery in the neck.
Ongoing Monitoring
Some of the patients who have been treated for a blocked artery in the neck should be followed closely as the situation may at times worsen.
this involves clinical review after the follow-up visits and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT angiography, and the subsequent control of risk factors.
