Similar to Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Carotid Vascular Disease is diagnosed by a build up of plaque or a blockage in arteries located in the neck. In the early part of development, this condition does not usually show any symptoms; often, the first sign of this condition appears as a stroke or a transient ischemic attack, which can result in:

• Numbness in the face or in one side of the body
• Disorientation/confusion
• Trouble communicating or speaking
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Severe headache

Our typical treatment plan for this condition is to provide blood-thinning medication, and if the condition is severe enough, to perform a carotid angioplasty. Some risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history, unhealthy diet, infrequent exercise, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and/or increasing age.