Question 1

what are the carotid arteries?

Accepted Answer

Carotic Arteries: The human carotid arteries supply the head and the neck with oxygenated blood.  The left common carotid artery originates from the aorta and the right common carotid originates from the brachiocephalic artery which originates from the aorta.  The carotic artery divides in the neck to form the internal and external carotic arteries.

Question 2

can your carotid artery spasm?

Accepted Answer

Yes. : Any artery that is not "hardened" with plaque or calcium can go into spasm.  However, connecting spasm with clinical symptoms is a more difficult.  If you are concerned you should consult a vascular surgeon or neurologist.

Question 3

can statins unclog carotid arteries?

Accepted Answer

Not really : Statins stabilize plaque so they are the best defense against atherosclerotic plaque. They decrease ischemic and embolic events. However, they do not reverse a stenosis.

Question 4

what are symptoms of blocked carotid arteries?

Accepted Answer

Stroke: Dizziness, visual changes. See stroke.Org for more complete list.

Question 5

what happens when a carotid artery gets nicked?

Accepted Answer

Carotid injury: Bleeding complication and if it is not addressed it could lead to death.

Question 6

what does narrowing of the carotid artery mean?

Accepted Answer

See below: Carotid artery narrowing means that the carotid arteries have blockage, usually in the form of atherosclerosis. 
In the absence of neurological symptoms, most cases can be handled with medicine and close periodic follow up by a vascular surgeon. However, if the blockage is more than 80%, surgery will reduce the risk of stroke.  In special instances, carotid angioplasty and stent may be an option.

Question 7

can a bad dowagers hump affect carotid artery flow?

Accepted Answer

No: A dowager's hump will not affect carotid artery flow.  Disease in the carotid artery will affect flow.

Question 8

is a thickened carotid artery something to worry about?

Accepted Answer

No, not by itself: If that is the only finding, a thickened carotid artery is not something to worry about.  However, if it is associated with narrowing in the carotid, it should be investigated further by duplex scanning.

Question 9

how can you safely get spa massage near carotid artery?

Accepted Answer

Massage : Should stay away from carotids when doing massage.

Question 10

what does it mean to have an enlarged/wide carotid artery?

Accepted Answer

Vascular surgeon: This may be a normal variant and have no clinical significance, but to be sure i recommend an evaluation by a vascular surgeon.

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Doctor answers about:

Carotid artery

A member asked:

What are the carotid arteries?

A member asked:

Can your carotid artery spasm?

A member asked:

Can statins unclog carotid arteries?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of blocked carotid arteries?

A member asked:

What happens when a carotid artery gets nicked?

A member asked:

What does narrowing of the carotid artery mean?

A member asked:

Can a bad dowagers hump affect carotid artery flow?

A member asked:

Is a thickened carotid artery something to worry about?

A member asked:

How can you safely get spa massage near carotid artery?

A member asked:

What does it mean to have an enlarged/wide carotid artery?

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