Symptoms that you may experience
Call 911 or get emergency care if you notice any of the following:
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- Visual loss in one eye: Usually like a shade being pulled down
- Speech difficulty: Hard to understand or form words
- Facial changes: One side of the face may droop
- Weakness: On one side of the body of an arm or leg or both
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance with profound dizziness
These symptoms may come and go. Even if they stop, they could be a warning sign of a future stroke.
How We Diagnose It
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and listen to your neck arteries. You may also need imaging tests, such as:
- Carotid ultrasound: uses sound waves to check blood flow
- CT scan: takes detailed pictures of your neck arteries
- MRI scan: shows blockages and blood flow in the brain and neck
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how much your artery is blocked and your overall health. Your care plan may include:
Medications
- Blood thinners (such as aspirin, Plavix or Aggrenox) to prevent clots
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, Zetia, Vascepa)
- Blood pressure control to reduce strain on your arteries
Lifestyle Changes
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Manage diabetes and high blood pressure
