Carotid Artery Disease

Overview

Carotid artery disease occurs when the main arteries supplying blood to the brain become narrowed or blocked, usually due to a build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis). This condition is a leading cause of ischaemic stroke, often resulting from reduced blood flow or the release of blood clots that travel to the brain.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we specialise in post-stroke neurorehabilitation. If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke related to carotid artery disease, our multidisciplinary team can help support recovery and improve long-term quality of life.

---

What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

The carotid arteries are located on each side of the neck and deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. Over time, these arteries can become narrowed due to the accumulation of plaque — a mix of cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris.

This narrowing (also known as carotid stenosis) reduces blood flow and can lead to:

• Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) – temporary stroke-like symptoms
• Ischaemic stroke – permanent damage due to reduced oxygen supply
• Cognitive or visual impairment – depending on which brain area is affected

Often, individuals do not experience symptoms until a stroke or TIA has occurred.

---

Common Symptoms

Carotid artery disease is often silent in its early stages. However, warning signs may include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden loss of vision in one eye
• Dizziness, balance problems, or confusion

These symptoms may be short-lived (as in a TIA) or permanent if a stroke occurs. If you or someone else experiences these signs, it’s essential to seek emergency care.

---

What Causes Carotid Artery Disease?

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol levels
• Smoking or long-term exposure to second-hand smoke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of cardiovascular disease
• Ageing – especially over 60

Over time, these factors contribute to the build-up of arterial plaque, hardening and narrowing the arteries.

---

How Is It Diagnosed?

Carotid artery disease is typically identified through:

• Ultrasound scan of the neck (carotid Doppler)
• CT angiography or MR angiography
• Listening for a bruit (whooshing sound) over the artery using a stethoscope

These tests are often conducted after a TIA or stroke to determine the cause and guide further treatment.

---

Stroke Risk and Prevention

Carotid artery disease is one of the most preventable causes of stroke. Lifestyle changes and medication can reduce risk, and in some cases, surgery may be required to remove or bypass the blockage.

However, once a stroke has occurred, rehabilitation is critical to help patients regain function, manage symptoms, and avoid future events.

---

Neurorehabilitation After Stroke

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide inpatient neurorehabilitation for patients recovering from stroke — including those caused by carotid artery disease.

Our programmes include:

• Physiotherapy – to improve mobility, strength, and coordination
• Occupational therapy – to regain independence with daily activities
• Speech and language therapy – for communication or swallowing difficulties
• Neuropsychology – to support cognition, mood, and emotional adjustment
• 24/7 specialist nursing care – tailored to neurological recovery

All care is delivered in a calm, specialist setting designed to maximise recovery.

---

Who We Treat

We welcome adults (18+) who are:

• Recovering from an ischaemic stroke or TIA
• Living with ongoing effects of carotid artery disease
• Requiring tailored, consultant-led neurorehabilitation
• Seeking structured therapy programmes following hospital discharge

To speak to our team, please call 01296 678800 or contact us online.