What Causes Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis, and How Is It Managed?

Carotid artery stenosis commonly occurs at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery and the origin of the internal carotid artery. The internal carotid artery is one of the primary blood-supplying vessels to the brain. Acute occlusion resulting from internal carotid artery stenosis may lead to severe cerebral ischemia, stroke symptoms, and even death. So, what exactly causes internal carotid artery stenosis—and how should it be managed? Below, we address these questions.

What Causes Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis—and How Is It Managed?

Internal carotid artery stenosis is most often caused by atherosclerosis or carotid artery dissection. Treatment options include pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions, as detailed below:

1. Atherosclerosis results from the accumulation of lipid deposits within the arterial wall and is a common cause of carotid stenosis in middle-aged and elderly patients. It frequently coexists with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Early-stage disease is typically asymptomatic; however, as the condition progresses, patients may develop symptoms such as dizziness, headache, chest tightness, and transient visual loss (amaurosis fugax). Under physician guidance, treatment aims to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and inhibit platelet aggregation—commonly using enteric-coated aspirin tablets or clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets.

2. Carotid artery dissection may occur following cervical trauma or infection, leading to blood infiltration between the layers of the arterial wall and subsequent separation of these layers. Patients may present with dizziness, altered consciousness, or other neurological deficits. Therapeutic options include carotid angioplasty and stent placement. In daily life, individuals should maintain a balanced diet, abstain from smoking, limit alcohol consumption, avoid excessive fatigue and sleep deprivation, and engage in appropriate physical exercise to enhance overall health.

We hope the above information is helpful to you.