For what purpose is a carotid artery surgery
Several health issues can arise from carotid artery disease, the most common is stroke. The blockages in the artery can be due to the accumulation of either plaques or blood clots. The purpose of a CEA is to help keep blood flowing to the brain by surgically removing the plaques or blood clots to prevent stroke and ensure the full functionality of the brain.
Another purpose of carotid artery surgery is to prevent transient ischemic attack (TIA) [2]. A TIA is a condition that shares similar symptoms to a stroke, such as blurred vision, difficulty speaking, numbness, imbalance, and inability to walk. Still, unlike a stroke, these symptoms only last for a brief period.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [3], one may only experience the symptoms of TIA for an hour. Still, it could last for up to 24 hours in rare and more severe situations. Like stroke, a TIA results from the temporary blockage of the carotid artery, which restricts the flow of blood to the brain.
After diagnosis, specific criteria need to be met before your doctor can recommend CEA for you. They include:
- If you have had a stroke in the past
- If you have had TIA in the past
- The level of blockage in your carotid artery (if it is severe but not complete).