Carotid Artery Disease

13 Jan.,2025

 

Carotid Artery Disease

Condition Basics

What is carotid artery disease?

A carotid artery on each side of the neck supplies blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in either or both arteries. The buildup may narrow the artery and limit blood flow to the brain. If this plaque breaks open, it may form a blood clot. Or pieces of the plaque may break off. A piece of plaque or a blood clot could move to the brain and cause a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

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The narrowing in an artery is called stenosis. The more narrow an artery becomes, the greater the risk of stroke or TIA.

What causes it?

Carotid artery disease is caused by a process called hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. Plaque builds up inside the carotid arteries. Things that can lead to this buildup include:

  • Smoking.
  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Diabetes.
  • A family history of hardening of the arteries.

What are the symptoms?

Many people have no symptoms. In some people, a doctor can hear a sound in their neck called a bruit (pronounced "broo-EE"). This is a whooshing sound that happens when a carotid artery is narrowed.

For some people, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke is the first sign of the disease.

If you have any of these symptoms of a TIA or stroke, call 9-1-1 or other emergency services right away.

  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
  • Sudden vision changes.
  • Sudden trouble speaking.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
  • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
  • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

How is it diagnosed?

An ultrasound test is used to diagnose carotid artery disease. This test uses sound waves to show how blood flows through your carotid arteries. You may have other tests such as a CT angiogram or a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) to check your carotid arteries.

Screening tests for carotid artery disease are not recommended for people who do not have signs or symptoms of carotid artery disease.footnote 1, footnote 2 If you have risk factors, signs, or symptoms of carotid artery disease, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound test to check for it.footnote 2, footnote 3

How is carotid artery disease treated?

The goal of treatment is to lower your risk of a stroke. Treatment depends on whether you have symptoms and how narrow your arteries are. You probably will take medicine. You also will be encouraged to have a heart-healthy lifestyle. Some people also have a procedure to lower their risk.

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Medicines

You may take aspirin or another medicine to prevent blood clots. You will likely also take medicine to lower cholesterol. You may also take medicine to help manage blood pressure.

Heart-healthy lifestyle

A heart-healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of stroke.

  • Don't smoke. Avoid second-hand smoke too.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods.
  • Be active. Ask your doctor what type of exercise is safe for you.
  • Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
  • Manage other health problems, such as diabetes. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
  • Get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza (flu), and pneumonia.

Regular ultrasounds

Your doctor may recommend regular ultrasounds. This is to see if the narrowing in your arteries is getting worse.

Surgery or stenting

Surgery in the arteries is called carotid endarterectomy. The doctor makes a cut in the neck and takes the plaque out of the artery.

Some people have a stent placed inside a carotid artery. A stent may be inserted during a catheter procedure. In this procedure, a doctor puts a thin tube, called a catheter, into a blood vessel in your groin or arm. The doctor threads the tube up to the carotid artery in the neck. The catheter is used to place the stent. In another type of procedure, a stent is placed in the artery through a cut in the neck.

Surgery and stenting may help lower your risk of a stroke. But they also have a risk of serious problems. You and your doctor can decide together if you want to have surgery or stenting.

Laser Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions

Over the last few weeks, I have had patients bring up some great questions about our laser therapy treatment.  I wanted to address them all in one place, so that future patients could have a reference.


Why Laser is Different?                                                          
Laser therapy is a medical breakthrough therapeutic device with unparalleled applications and treatment outcomes.  It works fast, is drug-free, all-natural, and promotes proper healing AND pain reduction. The Laser works by converting light into biochemical energy - this is similar to how sunlight is converted into Vitamin D by our bodies.  The light from the laser stimulates receptors on the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell).  This action causes increased blood flow, increase in healthy tissue repair, reduction in swelling, and decreased pain.

How is the treatment done and what are the benefits? 
The laser is placed either above or in contact with the skin allowing the healing energy to penetrate tissue.  You will either be sitting on a treatment table or lying down in a relaxed position.  Some benefits include: the immune system response is stimulated, lymphatic drainage is improved, pain is decreased, swelling (edema) is decreased, production of growth hormone is increased, & the body's natural healing process are enhanced. 
The beneficial physiological changes noted above are the result of tissue regeneration and cellular stimulation.You will notice that we, at Art of Health Chiropractic, focus on reduction and elimination of pain by using the the most powerful therapy laser available in any Nashville Chiropractic office, to help our patients.  Once the pain is reduced we take every measure to make sure the healing process is completed.

What does laser therapy have over other forms of therapy?
It does not require the use of drugs or surgery, there are virtually no side effects or risks, and it is quick and convenient. Pain relief is often immediate.

Does it hurt? What does the treatment feel like?
You will most likely feel a soothing warmth. There is no pain associated during laser application. Laser treatment is relaxing and some people even fall asleep. 

How long does the treatment take? 
The typical course of treatment is 10-minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week. Treatment plans are determined on an individual basis.

How many treatments does it take?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions, 2 to 6 treatments may be sufficient. More chronic conditions may require 6-10 sessions. Conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain. 

How long before results are felt?
You may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after the very first treatment. Not everyone responds to laser therapy and results cannot be guaranteed. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 2 to 4 sessions. Treatments just take a few minutes, however the therapeutic effect continues to sooth and heal long after you leave our office.  

Are the results long lasting?                                                              
Laser Therapy is about healing. It's not about masking or covering up a condition. When you feel better from this therapy... it's because you are better. Therefore results have been found to be quite long lasting. 

Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes! Laser therapy is even more effective when combined with other forms of therapy, including chiropractic, soft tissue mobilization, passive exercises, and proper nutrition. 

What is the difference between this and the lasers at other Chiropractors?
There are two main differences.  The first is that the laser at Art of Health Chiropractic is a Class IV laser.  This means that the laser is able to penetrate deeper tissues than a conventional laser, healing tissues at the source. The next difference is the power of the laser. The technical jargon is boring, but at 15 Watts, our laser will get you feeling better, faster.  

Chronic pain relief and hard-to-fix cases are our specialty. We have many patient's who have tried class III laser therapy with no success and with just ONE Class IV heat laser treatment they start feeling better.  All lasers are not the same.

How do I know if laser therapy is right for me?
We will evaluate your condition and perform a complete laser therapy examination to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.  The laser is contraindicated for use on open wounds, the abdomen and low back during pregnancy, and in patients with malignant tumors.

Can laser therapy be used over medical implants or over metal?
Yes, laser therapy is a light treatment. No heating is involved with the surgical or metal implants. It can be used safely with no side effects. It is extremely effective for post-operative wound healing. Many hip and knee replacement patients see us for care.

Is it covered by medical insurance?
Some insurance covers the procedure, but not many. Most patients who decide to receive the benefits of laser therapy are sick and tired of being sick and tired, so they choose to seek this effective method of treatment on their own. Price is usually not a consideration when you have been suffering for so long. 

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