Treatment options for patients diagnosed with partially blocked carotid arteries but without symptoms such as a mini-stroke, or transient blindness in one eye (amaurosis fugax), should be carefully considered and recommendation made on an individualized basis, according to a review of medical literature published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
The carotid arteries connect the heart and the brain in the front of the neck. Stenosis occurs when the arteries become clogged with fatty deposits. Stroke can be a concern. “There can be a knee jerk response when patients are found to have a blockage,” says Giuseppe Lanzino, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon and lead author of the research review. “The response often is, ‘You need surgery.’”
“A blockage doesn’t necessarily mean that a patient is going to have a stroke,” says Dr. Lanzino. A partial blockage (greater than 60 percent) in patients without symptoms carries a risk of stroke of about 2 percent each year. That increased risk needs to be weighed against the risk and benefits of treatment.
Dr. Lanzino says that patients need a careful multispecialty evaluation to determine the best treatment option, and treatment must be individualized. Treatment can include:
- Medication (antiplatelet drug therapy) and risk factor management. Risks factors include high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and tobacco use.
- Carotid endarterectomy, a surgery where the carotid artery is opened and the fatty deposits are removed.
- Carotid angioplasty and stenting, where a long, hollow plastic tube (catheter) is inserted in the groin artery and threaded to the narrowed carotid artery. A tiny balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated to open the narrowed artery. A metal stent is inserted to prevent the artery from narrowing again.
Dr. Lanzino worked with Mayo Clinic neurologists Alejandro Rabinstein, M.D., and Robert D. Brown, M.D., to review the most current studies dealing with the medical, surgical, and endovascular treatment of carotid artery stenosis. Their findings, published in April 2009, included:
Surgery is best for most patients with symptoms: Carotid endarterectomy should be strongly considered for symptomatic patients with 70 to 99 percent blockage in the carotid artery. It also should be considered for those with 50 to 69 percent stenosis. Doctors agree that for most patients with moderate to severe blockage, surgery is the safest and most effective treatment, if it is done by a surgical team that has a very low complication rate.
Symptoms of carotid artery stenosis include transient blindness in one eye, weakness or numbness of an arm, leg or the face, or the temporary inability to speak or to understand conversation.
Angioplasty and stenting is an option for higher risk symptomatic patients: Patients with symptoms of carotid artery stenosis who have other health risks precluding surgery may be good candidates for angioplasty and stenting.
Treatment choices less clear for asymptomatic patients: Most patients with partially blocked carotid arteries don’t have symptoms and the best intervention remains controversial. Surgery has been considered the standard but it’s not clear that surgery offers more benefit than angioplasty and stenting or medical therapy alone (antiplatelet medications and aggressive correction of risk factors). Large studies are under way to determine the most effective treatment option.
Differentiating symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is critical: Patients often are diagnosed with carotid artery stenosis after seeing a doctor for dizziness, blurry vision, floaters in the vision or generalized weakness. These are not considered symptoms of carotid artery stenosis even when imaging shows a blockage is present.
Age matters when determining treatment: For patients 75 and older, especially those with other health conditions, the risk of treating carotid artery stenosis may exceed the benefit. For patients age 80 and older, angioplasty and stenting has a higher risk of stroke than surgery (carotid endarterectomy).
Below is a youtube video with Dr. Lanzino talking about the study.
My blockage is 50-69&. I have had one TIA a year ago last month. My blood pressure was 141/90 when last checked at the hospital when I have the ultrasound done on the artery. Normally it is much lower (ie 100/65) I did have numbness on my left side while in the hospital last year, however the blockage is on the right side. Am I considered high risk or in the catagory to wait and see? Otherwise I am in good health and walk 2 miles daily. Thanks
Pat, we can’t offer advice online. If you are interested in having your risk assessed at Mayo Clinic, please call 507-284-2111 to schedule an appointment.
My question is as follow,
my father is 79 never being sick in his life,he felt weak one night,and had blindness in one eye ,i took him to the emergency ,and gets diagnose with a Tia ,with 65 percent blokage,of the carthoid artery,now my question is …..
should he be consider a candidate for surgery ,or stay on plavix, like it was prescribed .Im afraid hes going to have a major stroke, cause surgery was never suggested.
John, Per the other replies, each treatment must be individualized, so it would be important for your father to seek a comprehensive multispecialty evaluation to determine your best treatment option. If you would like to request an appointment at Mayo Clinic, please call 507-284-2111. Thanks!
i have 100 percent blockage and 70 percent in my other artery waht can i do
Dab, As each treatment must be individualized, it would be important for you to seek a comprehensive multispecialty evaluation to determine your best treatment option. This will depend on a variety of factors, including your age and whether you are symptomatic. If you would like to request an appointment at Mayo Clinic, please call 507-284-2111.
approximately 4 yrs ago, I was told I had 60% blockage in my right corotid artery after a doppler. Lately I have been experiencing vision problems in my left eye. My sight gets very blurry and squiggly things are floating. I do not have health insurance and do not have extra money to pay out of pocket to have it checked. I am 47 years old and have had HBP since my mid twenties. I take topril 50mg 2x daily.
My dad will be 80 in May,they recently did a scan and found 90% blockage in his cartiod arterys,he has had several minnie strokes and has had severe headaches and right eye pain.he was admitted to the er and did more tests.One of his doctors said he was a time bomb.The doctor that performs surgerys for this was on vacation at the time.He is a va member and is not covered at this hospoital.So he traveled 300 miles away and was back home in 2days having nothing done,he is scheduled for an appointment on March 9 to see a neurolist.I guess surgery for this could make things worse.I am concered cause the doctor here thinks he needs surgery.concered daughter.
One of my dearest friends has a grandmother who has 100% blockage in one of the arteries in her neck and 75% in the other. Her doctors have told her that there is nothing to be done for the 100% blocked artery..Is this true? Please Help!
Sonjha – Thank you for your comment. I checked with Dr. Lanzino and he said that usually when there is a 100% complete occlusion, he would not recommend any treatment, except in exceptional cases.
I have 100% blocked artery on the right side of my neck. My doctor said there’s nothing that can be done. I can not see out of my right eye at all. Please can you help me.
Mr. Petruccioli:
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic by scheduling an appointment, the numbers are below:
Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville Fla., (904) 953-2272
Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minn., (507) 284-2111
Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz., (480) 301-1735
You also can visit our Web site, http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html
or have your doctor call our Referring Physician’s Service, http://www.mayoclinic.org/medicalprofs/
You do not need a doctor’s referral, although information about past treatment is always important.
Best wishes.
It is correct. There is no indication to reopen a completely occluded carotid artery except in very rare situations.
GL
i am a 28 yr old & i have recently been told that I have 69% blockage in my corotid arteries, Ihave had 2 TIA’sslightly a yr ago teh dr said if theblockage in creases he will want to do surgery, i go back tomorrow for a check up in away i wish he would go ahead and schedule the surgery i nam tired of worrying if theyare worse and scared to death to eat. what surgery is he talking about wanting to do he mentioned something about a stent?
Thanks for your comment, Debra. Of course, I cannot be certain what surgery your physician is referencing, however, in the post and video above, Dr. Lanzino discusses carotid angioplasty and stenting. This is where a long, hollow plastic tube (catheter) is inserted in the groin artery and threaded to the narrowed carotid artery. A tiny balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated to open the narrowed artery. A metal stent is inserted to prevent the artery from narrowing again. Best wishes to you.
I recently had a neck scan at a VA hospital. I was called by a pimary care doctor that my right carotid has 16-17% blockage and my left was 50-70%. Only sympton was during annual physical the doctor noted he could not feel my left with his fingers but could hear with his stethoscope.
I was told to take a 81 mg coated aspirin each day and they would schedule another scan in one year.
What other options should I consider at this time?
For a moderate, asymptomatic carotid stenosis (50-70% by doppler) aspirin and risk factors correction is adequate approach.
Giuseppe Lanzino
They can put a man on the moon. But can’t open a blockage. Price is no option to get back your independence. My brother n law has 100 percent blockage to the right side carotid artery.. 6 strokes since july.. somewhere in this world someone has the talent to fix this…this man has gone from playing the grand ol’ opery to feeling worthless to the world…etc… he would pay his life savings just to be somewhat normal again….direct me the right direction……it can be fixed….but by whom….and where???? Thanks!!!!!
an
Shannon,
I completely agree with you!! My Husband has been told the very same thing and we’re looking for answers as well, is your brother-in-law in Nashvile as well?
Would you please let me know if you receive any information?
Thank you so much and I will be happy to do the same for you.
I had a TIA about two weeks ago and was told I have 100% blockage of of the right side carotid atery. I’m wondering what the risk is of of another TIA or of a major stroke. Should I postpone travel plans to Argentina?
The risk of a recurrent TIA or stroke in the territory of a completely occluded carotid artery in patients under best medical therapy is relatively low. Please ask your Neurologist about issues with the trip to Argentina.
I have 75-85% blockage in left carotid artery, and I have chosen chelation therapy. Still doing it, son don’t know how it is working, the medical profession will not suggest this treatment, and if you mention it, they will tell you you’re crazy, I guess I’m crazy
My father has just been diagnosed with clogged carotid arteries. He has blockage in one artery of 75%, one with blockage at 90%, and one with blockage at 60%. He also has low blood pressure, and a low heart rate, he is not overweight in fact he has lost 35-40lbs in the last 2 years from a healthier diet low in red meats and low sodium more fish and vegetables, he exercises everyday by walking approximately 6-8 miles a day. His Dr. says he is a model patient and has done everything he should for the last three years after having a stent put in his chest for mild blockage after having an angina attack.
His Dr. is suggesting putting in stents in the three arteries but that he should consider having them scraped out, an incision would be made in the neck and they would go in with an umbrella type tool and scape the arteries and then place a stent, put a patch on it and be done (what is the patch, is it sewn up or do they cut a section and replace it with an artery from somewhere else?) except the risks of death is a little greater in that procedure versus the stents which carried only a 2% chance of strokes following the surgery.
My question is that with his low blood pressure and heart rate, are the chances increased for death in either procedure? and in his case, I know that it is all very individualized, what would you suggest for him to procede with? Or are there other options?
Any insight into this or information which be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, the numbers are below:
Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville Fla., (904) 953-2272
Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minn., (507) 284-2111
Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz., (480) 301-1735
You also can visit our Web site, http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html
or have your doctor call our Referring Physician’s Service, http://www.mayoclinic.org/medicalprofs/
You do not need a doctor’s referral, although information about past treatment is always important.
Best wishes.
I had a carotid artery doppler done May of 2010 and again in December 2010 (because I have elevated cholesterol); doc said blockage increased fast but wasn’t sure by what percentage (said done 2 different places by 2 different techs). Insisted I get a cardiac cath immidiately – said no. He said I had to. I asked what else could be done so he said a CT scan with dye that would tell him actual blockage. He called me and said it is 80% on left and tried to immedately set up surgery for me.I had larnygitis and couldn’t ask about the right side. I told him to wait until I could talk.
From what I am reading the CT scan with dye was not necessary?
I just turned 77 and have been asymtomatic. I sent for all results and will get a 2nd opinion by a surgeron of my choosing.
Outside of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis (severe), scoliosis, epi. tendonitis, both elbows, I have IBS and Asthma plus fibromyalgia. Just pain in the quality of life issues mostly. Know I would need a full workup for you to recommend treatment but just wondering why the jump to surgery by this doctore.
Maureen, we cannot provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence.
thank you for this service. My father, aged 73, had multiple by-pass heart surgery two years ago with apparent success. Recently, he was diagnosed with 100% blockage in one of his carotid arteries. He also suffers from atherosclerosis, which necessitated the aforementioned heart surgery. He has not been open with me regarding the degree of blockage in the other carotid artery. I feel compelled to intervene and advise him of the various treatments available; however, I have read at least two comments on-line stating that 100% carotid blockage is surgically untreatable. Must we, an adoring family, simply count the days until a crippling or fatal stroke, or are there medical approaches that have the potential to mitigate the risk of stroke. As far as I know, he is thus far asymtomatic, but he also tends to underplay the state of his health.
Thank you,
Brent Young
If asymptomatic, the risk of stroke from a 100% carotid occlusion is rather low and does not justify the risks of treatment. Dr. Lanzino
I am noting several people (age bracket 40-50) have suffered as I have with a stroke. I also have noted that we all have been given the same dose if your carotid artery is 100% blocked….NOTHING! This fustrates me to know that if the blockage is ~60% then options are given. Why are there no options for 100% blockage. I am 41, the sole parent of two children due to the death of their father three years ago and 9 weeks ago I suffered a stroke due to a blood clot in my left carotid artery. I was inform two days ago the place where the clot was removed is now 100% blocked due to the surgery. What now? No answers on what I can do other than change my life style of eating and exercise. Huh! how long do I have to be with my children. What is my fate? Aneurysm? Another stroke? I’m glad I have a friend in Christ!
I have a question…..What could be a solution if any when both Carotid arteries are 100% blocked? I have been told that you can not ever have surgery with 100% blockage, its too high of a risk??
Is there any medication that and be taken that breaks down the fatty plaque in the arteries? Can you ever get back under 100% to receive the surgery? These are question I have on a friend that has no one to help him and he had a mini stoke and then had a big heart attack, and can’t communicate but maybe 3 words at a time! Just was wondering what the options are? It just seems like the only option is you just wait to die and don’t know when you going? Its just a sad situation!
He’s only 54!
Thank you,
Alicia
We have received your question and will have a reply soon.
Dear Alicia,
Unfortunately it sounds your friend has already had a stroke and reopening the carotid artery or rerouting blood to the brain may have little effect. Carotid arteries that are 100% can be reopened in some cases but usually the risks are not worth the potential (often little) benefits.
my wife had a doppler and was told she has a 50% blockage and 50%-59% blockage stenosis in her carotid arteries, what kind of specialist should she see? she has had a couple spells where she would get very bad headaches and even passed out once and gets very very tired after haveing these spells. thank you
We received your question and will get back to you soon.
She should see a neurologist and preferably one who specializes in Stroke/Vascular disease.
!5 years ago, I was 65 at the time. I had a spell with my heart and went to the hospital and had an angio-gram done. They told me I had 80% blockage in 4 arteries in my heart. I declined to have the operation and they sent me home. I had angina for a while and was taking nitro-glycerin pills. The angina went away and I have been pain free for 15 years. I probably still have the problem but I don’t run and jump like I used to. I know my limits. My latest EKG came back abnormal. Like I say, I’m 80 years old and most of the treatments are more likely to cause me to have a stroke than the disease. I had DVT in my right leg last year and I had a pulmonary embolism. I had irregular heart beat for about 6 hours last week but it cleared up without treatment. I had a lot of coffee and tea all day sweetened with aspartame. I understand that aspartame will do this to you. I’m now on de-caf coffee and no more diet sweetners.
Thank you for your message.
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. However, I have attached a couple of links that may be helpful to you: http://www.mayoclinic.org/cardiovascular-disease/, http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2008/july-25b.html. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices at 800-446-2279 in Arizona, 904-953-0853 in Florida or 507-538-3270 in Minnesota. I hope this information is helpful.
I had carotid artery surgery 9 months ago on my right side. Today I am told by another surgeon that with the scare tissue I am now back to 90 to 95 percent blockage. I was also informed that the right artery is very small only 2 centimeters And there was some nerve damage. To redo the surgery would be risky and it was to small for a stent. I had two choices. 1 risk the surgery. 2. Let it become totally blocked. Do I have any other choices?
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices Arizona: 480-301-1735 Florida: 904-953-0323 Minnesota: 507-284-2511
What a great resuorce this text is.
My husband who was 67 in March of 2009 had a dissection of the carotid atery right side massive stroke they said it was 100% closed (3 opinioins) and nothing could be done. Last year still 100% closed. He had mini stroke symptoms recently and now they say in the last few months the so called 100% closed atery is having blood flow. Is this good or bad news that suddenly its flowing blood again?
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, we can not make recommendations for your husband’s particular case but I will forward your comment for physician review. If you would like to have him seen at Mayo Clinic, please contact one of our Appointment Offices at http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html. Thanks again, Tracey.
Hello again. Dr. Lanzino had an opportunity to review your question. He states that having blood flow return to the artery is not clearly good or bad news. However, your husband should have his mini stroke symptoms carefully evaluated by a physician.
Could opening an occluded artery on a pt who has had a recent stroke cause more damage to the brain by the increased blood flow? L 100% and R 90%.
Thank you for your comment. We will forward to Dr. Lanzino’s office for his review. Thanks again.
I’m almost 70 and have a 100% closed left carotid artery & 68% rt. ctd. w/ultrasound and 38% with a CT scan(there’s a disagreement on the r/side 2nd opinion).
Had Rheumatic Fever, diphtheria and was a “blue baby”. Was a good high school athlete and stayed somewhat active in sports. At 43 had a full-blown heart attack, 5 angioplasties during the 80′s and 90′s. Double
by-pass in 2000 and endarectony on my left carotid in 2003(carotids were totally ignored except to use a stethascope during ov’s. Had 3 near TIA’s? (called an inner ear problem?)in the last 7-8 yrs.
I currently play softball 2-3 times a week and feel good doing it. Try to lay off red meat and do Plavix, 81mg aspirin, metoporol and lovastatin 2xdaily and feel lucky and blessed as can be. BP varies, but not dangerously.
Will probably die on the pitcher’s mound if “The Maker feels it’s time or my adrenalin runs out”. Good luck to all and pray someone will find a flush for us.
Dear Doctor. I am a 58 year oold female who was diagnosed last week with an 80% occlusion on my right corotid artery. I was booked in for an op this week but postponed it for another two weeks. My surgeon said that instead of a stent, he would cut open an ‘scrape’ the artery, considering my age. I am afraid of the risks: 2-4% stroke on the op table. My neurologist, specialist physician and vascular doctors are all urging me to treat this op as urgent and necessary.
My sister, who is a nurse, on the other hand, insists i should not do it, as the chances of a stroke on the op table are very high in these cases. I am overwhelmed, not knowing whether I should go ahead with this op. Please advise. Many thanks
Rookeya, Thank you for your message.
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at mayoclinic.org.
My mother suffered a stroke 2 months ago. She was told that one carotid was blocked 100% and the other 70%. After another test today at TJU Hospital, we were informed that there is 100% blockage in both carotids and surgery is not an option. What is her prognosis? Sounds fatal. In addition, why would the neurosurgeon who was willing to move forward be willing to stent (because he didn’t think there was total occlusion? really?) even consider the surgery? Is it possible to go from 70 to 100 percent occlusion in two months? Or is this due from the severe atherosclerosis…including the mesenteric artery that now requires a by-pass because it was so occluded the stent did not work? How rare is this? I am having difficulty finding literature and I would love some data.
Lindsay, we have received your comment and have referred your questions for answering.
My father has been diagnosed with severe carotid disease. Left was 100% at diagnosis, age 49. Right 70-80%, never any symptoms. Lost weight, has been eating right etc. Yesterday, he was told the right worsened to 80-90% blockage and to see a vascular surgeon. Still no symptoms. The reason for the increase, lies in the fact that my mother was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, and the focus has been on her. Is the carotid stent the only option? He is not a candidate for an endardectomy, correct? They live in the Detroit Michigan area, and are being seen at Henry Ford. Any suggestions on physicians/surgeons? I am a registered nurse, recently moved to Dallas, TX prior to all of this, and I’m about ready to pick up and move back to be there for them. Please let me know anything you have to offer. Thank you.
Hello Laura,
Sorry to hear about your father and mother. Unfortunately, we cannot give specific treatment advice in this forum. I’ve pasted a link to the neurosurgery appointment office. I’d give them a call and check about options and physicians/surgeons. Best wishes. http://www.mayoclinic.org/neurosurgery/appointments.html
Hello,
My dad is 58 and was found 4 yrs ago to have 100% blockage of right ICA and 50-60% to left. He has had IDDM for more than 50 yrs. He was placed 4 yrs ago on aggressive cholesterol treatment in hopes to reverse some of the blockage. He wasn’t placed on any anticoagulation other than full strength ASA at that time. He was told that no invasive therapy was indicated for 100% blockage. He has had US’s, MRI’s, and CT scans but now they want to do a CT angio of bilat carotids in order to most accurately diagnose the exact blockage bc they are hopeful that the right side has improved somewhat. So my question is, would an endarterectomy or stenting/plasty be more appopriate, even if the blockage is 99%? Is that the cut-off where invasive therapy can be performed? Also, what are the risks of surgery related to CVA vs the risk of CVA without it? I guess he is considered asymptomatic bc his only sx is occassional dizziness, but no vision problems or TIA like sx. He was recently started on Plavix. What is the risk of hyperperfusion by restoring bloodflow to that right side where his body has become accustomed to decreased blood flow it and compensated? Could you like, flood his brain? I don’t know how else to put that. He must have some decent collateral circulation ie his vertebrals and what not, for him to have so little sx right? Please provide me with some guidance. I have so many questions for the MD, but I just couldn’t wait. Thanks so much for your help
Ms. Rossiter, unfortunately we are not able to give treatment advice or diagnoses through this correspondence. You can schedule an appointment for your father to be seen at one of our locations by calling these numbers:
To request an appointment: Arizona: 480-301-1735 Florida: 904-953-0853 Minnesota: 507-284-2511
my stepfather has 90 percent blockage in this artery and doctors are saying both surgies are risky is that really bad
My friend a 51 year old male has what they say is 100% blockage, and say that they can not do surgery to relieve his problem. Is this true and what are the risk if done? Can a bypass not be done there.?
We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If your friends would like to be evaluated at Mayo Clinic, information can be found at mayoclinic.org
I thought that was a simple question, can you or can you not unblock a carotid artery that is 100% blocked. Yes or no would be nice.
Thank you.
veena at the top of this pge said ” we cant offer advice online call to mk an appt” you money hungry *&^%… why even say anything to anyone if you arent wanting to help them…. if people need to call you to mk an appt. just so you can help them.. then u r like most doctors. WORTHLESS.. sorry. but the truth is the truth
Tammy, thank you for your comment, and we are sorry you feel that way. Mayo Clinic is guided by the founding principle that “the needs of the patient come first.” We feel it would be irresponsible for us to make a diagnosis or to make treatment suggestions online without the benefit of an in-person evaluation.
My husband had radiotherapy 18 years ago for tongue and neck cancer. He has been fine up till Boxing Day when he had a TIA. When tests were done it was discovered he had 100% blockage of his right caroteid artery and a 2 cm blockage of 80-90% on his left side. We live in Australia so cannot come for a visit, but he is very concerned that radiation may have damaged the left side artery and make his operation even more of an issue. What are the options for this kind of problem. Our local Dr’s says that this is only starting to be seen now as many years ago there were not a huge amount of survivers. Is there an option for alternative (ie supplementation) style treatment that anyone has tried?
We have sent your question for reply.
It is important to know if the TIA was from the right or the left carotid artery. If the TIA came from the left carotid artery, angioplasty and stenting may be a valid option only if a catheter angiography confirms a significant stensosis on the left side. Dr. Lanzino
Two years ago my husband had a stroke by the time I got him help they informed me there was nothing they could do both right and left are 100% occlusion. They told us he is a walking miracle because he is plumbed just right that his arteries in the back of his neck are suppling blood to his brain. He functions pretty good but he has a really hard time after he eats to breath and he gets really cold. I would like some answers, I know there is nothing they can do but I want him to be comfortable.
My mom is 84 yrs old. She has had type 2 diabetes for several years and recently diagnosed with A-fib. She has been taking coumadin for about 3-4 yrs for having mini-strokes. They also put her on metoprolol for her A-fib. She has one carotid artery 70% blocked recently diagnosed also. Her Dr. said she would not be good candidate for any surgery due to her medical condition. I will be seeking a 2nd opinion,but just wondered what you thought. Thank you for your time.
It sounds like she has not had recent symptoms related to the carotid stenosis and I would agree that medical therapy is the best treatment for her at this time. Dr. Lanzino
A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with a 75% clogged carotid artery on the left side of my neck. They put me on Plavix and suggested that I return in six months to see if there was any change and they usually do not consider surgery until 80% blockage. I wanted to know if this is the usual procedure. Please advise.
P.S. My sister has had surgery on the right and left neck carotid artery and I was wondering if it is also hereditary.
rose, Thank you for your comment, however, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at mayoclinic.org.
I totally agree with y’all. My husband is only 47 and had a stroke June 20, 2010. It was a severe stroke that left him unable to move his right side for weeks and his speech is severly affected. He is still going to physical therapy three times a week and speech therapy once a week. He has come a very long way. And he has surpassed any diagnosis that any doctor has given him. He would benefit from the surgery as well. He has 100% blockage on his left side also. After the stroke, he had another ultrasound done to see if the blockage was 99% or less. And, of course, by that time it was 100%. Therefore, the doctor did not offer surgery. We were really hoping on the surgery because that would mean more blood flow to the brain and the faster he would recover. It is just very frustrating that surgery is not an option. My husband is a workaholic and to take work away from him has been very terrible for him to deal with. We also have 3 boys ages 15, 13, and 10. I would love to know that he is still going to be around many more years to enjoy them.
Nicole – I hope your husband has progressed much since your post. Fifteen years ago my husband also suffered a major stroke due to 100% blockage of his left carotid artery. He was only 43, a non-smoker, very fit, and a workaholic. I’m sure you know when oxygen (blood) is cut off to a brain cell it dies within minutes – there is no bringing it back. Any brain cell that was supplied by that artery is gone. I was always told (and it made sense) that any surgery to open a 100% occlusion of a carotid artery was worthless – although I would appreciate hearing which cases might substantiate such (did I make the right decision?). Our daughters were 11 and 13 at the time. The first few weeks his right side was very weak, but he learned to walk again. He would aspirate, so thickened liquids were the norm for a couple months. After 15 years he still has sensory and motor aphasia (language understanding/words cannot be formed or expressed) with very little speech. It’s hard for him to write/spell to communicate. But he drives a car, cuts the grass, and does God only knows what in his beloved Garage. Stays busy a few hours a day. We have girls, so can’t relate to the affect your husbands stroke has had on your boys. I’m sure it’s tough as they probably look up to him for guidance, although my girls are very close too. I was told my husband would live a normal life span. He’s still the same man inside. We see it. Live, laugh, and love. We just celebrated our 30th anniversary. Best wishes to you, your husband, and boys.