Carotid artery blockage treatment - Stroke Message Board

Georgette · 01-06-2009, 11:26 AM

My mom was just told that she has an 80-90% blockage in her carotid artery. It was discovered following surgery for a broken hip, which she suffered after falling during one of her recent dizzy spells. The doctor told her that the only thing stopping her from having a major stroke is the fact that she is already on blood thinners for her heart condition (4 angioplasties and a double heart bypass). Has anyone gone through surgery or any other type of treatment for this condition? I am assuming that surgery is probably the best option seeing that it is so severely blocked.

hectaffy · 01-06-2009, 12:40 PM

I had 95% blockage in my right carotid artery. Had surgery and spent the night in the hospital and went home the next day. Did fine. Can't even see the scar now. Glad I had it done.

Georgette · 01-12-2009, 11:03 AM

Thanks for your response. What symptoms did you experience leading up to your diagnosis? I'm concerned that my mom might fall and hurt herself again before getting treatment. She is being released from the hospital on Thursday because she is fine from an orthopedic perspective, but the thought of her wandering around her house by herself (she lives alone) worries me a lot.

next2u · 01-27-2009, 09:34 AM

My mom is 73 and had her right carotid done, it was 95% blocked, PLEASE make sure that you ask the doctor about the blockage returning after the surgery. In 4 weeks we were back in the hospital and it is now 100% blocked and the left is 43% blocked. They said that the chance for further blockage is always there when there are blockages around the aorta. She is on meds, but I have chosen to not give them all due to the fact they increase the dizzy spells and the vision in the right eye has been affected. She has a constant headache in the right side, this due to the bolckage.
I wish you the best of luck, but don't forget to write down lots of questions and make sure you get all the answers! God Bless

glen22222 · 02-02-2009, 11:01 AM

Actually doctors have mentioned that it is best for the arteries to be either 100% open or 100% blocked. You have four arteries feeding the Circle of Willis that supplies blood to the brain. 3 or even 2 arteries are enough to supply blood to the brain. Ask your doctor about why they didn't inform you of these facts. Blockage by itself is not the problem, tearing of the plaque causing the blockage is the real problem. Ask your doctor to give you the complete explanation.