Carotid & Vertebral Artery Disease

• Narrowing (stenosis) or tearing (dissection) of the carotid or vertebral arteries, the main vessels supplying blood to the brain
• Usually caused by atherosclerotic plaque; dissections can occur after neck trauma or spontaneously
• A significant cause of stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) — temporary stroke-like symptoms that warn of a larger event
• Many patients are managed with medication, including blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering therapy
• In selected patients, stenting reopens the narrowed artery from within, restoring blood flow through a small puncture without an open neck incision
• The decision between medication, stenting, and open surgery is individualized based on the degree of narrowing, symptoms, and overall health