Are there symptoms when the arteries in the neck are clogged?
Carotid artery disease is a condition that causes carotid arteries in a person’s neck to become clogged with fatty deposits known as plaque. All symptoms of this disease should receive emergency medical attention.Numbness and WeaknessAccording to the Mayo Clinic, patients with carotid artery disease may develop symptoms of a mild or severe stroke such as numbness or weakness on one side of the body.Speech EffectsCarotid artery disease can cause garbled or slurred speech and difficulty understanding the speech of others.BlindnessTemporary blindness can develop suddenly in one eye due to carotid artery disease.Stroke ComplicationsA person with symptoms of carotid artery disease may be experiencing a stroke that can cause permanent brain damage, muscle damage and even death if these symptoms are left untreated.Risk FactorsSmokers, people with high blood pressure and diabetics have an increased risk of developing carotid artery disease.
