Carotid Disease Treatment Mountain View
You Just Found Out You Have Carotid Disease – Now What? | FKMD

You Just Found Out You Have Carotid Disease – Now What?

A new diagnosis of carotid artery disease can be frightening—especially when you hear it’s linked to strokes. But understanding your condition is the first step toward protecting your health. At FKMD, we’re here to guide you through what comes next.

What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease happens when plaque builds up inside the two main arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain. Over time, this plaque can narrow the arteries (a condition called stenosis), reducing blood flow or leading to a stroke if the plaque ruptures or a clot forms.

Why It Matters

Carotid disease is one of the leading causes of stroke. Many people have no symptoms until a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack or “mini-stroke”) occurs. That’s why early detection and treatment are so important.

Common Symptoms

Often, carotid disease is silent. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Vision problems in one or both eyes
  • Dizziness or loss of coordination
  • TIA or “mini-stroke” symptoms that resolve in minutes or hours

How Is It Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects carotid artery disease, you may undergo one or more of the following tests:

  • Carotid ultrasound: A non-invasive test to visualize narrowing
  • CT angiography: Detailed imaging of arteries using contrast dye
  • MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography): A contrast-free alternative to view blood vessels
  • Cerebral angiogram: A catheter-based test that can also be used to treat blockages

What Happens Next?

Your treatment depends on the severity of the blockage and whether you’ve had symptoms. The main goals are stroke prevention and restoring healthy blood flow.

1. Medical Management

  • Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)
  • Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin or clopidogrel)
  • Blood pressure control
  • Diabetes management
  • Smoking cessation and diet/exercise programs

2. Interventional or Surgical Treatment

If your carotid artery is more than 70% narrowed, or you’ve had stroke symptoms, procedures may be recommended:

  • Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): A surgical procedure that removes the plaque
  • Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS): A minimally invasive alternative that uses a stent to widen the artery, guided by imaging

Minimally Invasive Carotid Stenting at FKMD

For patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery, carotid stenting is a safe, effective, and less invasive option. At FKMD, we specialize in image-guided procedures that restore blood flow without the need for open surgery. Most patients go home the same day with minimal recovery time.

Living with Carotid Artery Disease

Managing carotid disease is a lifelong commitment. That means:

  • Taking medications consistently
  • Maintaining regular follow-up appointments
  • Sticking to a heart-healthy lifestyle
  • Monitoring symptoms and acting quickly if a TIA or stroke occurs

Get Expert Care at FKMD

Our team at FKMD provides compassionate, expert care tailored to your diagnosis. We use the latest technology to ensure safe, effective treatment with minimal disruption to your life.

📞 Call 650-404-8445 to schedule your consultation today and take the first step in protecting your brain health.