Carotid Artery & Venous Thrombosis

The carotid arteries run along either side of your neck, supplying blood to your brain. Maintaining healthy carotid arteries is crucial for optimal brain function. However, various conditions can affect these arteries, potentially leading to blood clot formation and stroke.

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Carotid Artery Stenosis refers to the narrowing of the carotid artery due to a buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) on the inner lining of the artery wall. Similar to cholesterol buildup in other arteries, plaque accumulation in the carotid arteries is often a consequence of risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.

As plaque accumulates, the passage within the artery narrows, restricting blood flow to the brain. A severely narrowed carotid artery can significantly reduce blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke.

Carotid Artery Dissection

Carotid Artery Dissection is a less common but serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. A dissection occurs when a tear forms in the inner lining of the carotid artery wall. Blood can seep through this tear and collect between the layers of the artery wall, further narrowing the passage and potentially forming a blood clot.

Causes of carotid artery dissection can include blunt trauma to the neck, certain medical procedures (like cardiac catheterization), or spontaneous tears due to underlying weaknesses in the artery wall.

Carotid Artery Thrombosis

A blood clot in the carotid artery is called carotid artery thrombosis. Both stenosis and dissection can create an irregular surface within the carotid artery. 

This irregularity disrupts the normal blood flow and increases the risk of blood clot formation (thrombosis) within the artery itself. It can partially or completely block blood flow to the brain, leading to a stroke.

The symptoms of carotid artery thrombosis are often sudden and similar to those of a stroke. These can include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg)
• Vision problems in one eye, such as blurred vision or sudden loss of vision
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe headache (less common)

Since the symptoms of carotid artery thrombosis can mimic a stroke, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these signs.

Intracranial venous thrombosis, also known as cerebral venous thrombosis, is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms within a cerebral vein. Unlike arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain, cerebral veins drain oxygen-depleted blood away from the brain tissue. 

A blood clot obstructing a cerebral vein disrupts this vital drainage process, leading to a buildup of pressure and potential damage to brain tissue.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a blood clot in the brain's venous system. 

• Dehydration can thicken your blood, making it more likely to clot.
• Hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, and some medications used to treat cancer can increase the risk of blood clots.
• Some conditions, such as inherited clotting disorders, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers, can increase blood clotting risk, contributing to intracranial venous thrombosis.
• Women are at an increased risk of blood clots during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
• Severe head trauma can damage the lining of cerebral veins, increasing the risk of clot formation.

The symptoms of intracranial venous thrombosis can vary depending on the location and size of the clot. This includes:

• Headache
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Vision Problems
• Seizures
• Weakness or Paralysis

Our non-invasive CT scans can use a contrast dye injection to visualize blood flow through the carotid arteries and cerebral veins. These CT Angiography (CTA) scans are effective in detecting blockages or narrowing within the carotid arteries and can also be used to identify blood clots in larger cerebral veins.

Similar to the CTA, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) uses MRI technology instead of x-rays. It also employs contrast dye to visualize blood flow. MRA offers detailed images of the carotid arteries, surrounding tissues, and cerebral veins. 

While not always necessary for diagnosing stenosis, MRA can be helpful in evaluating the carotid artery wall for signs of dissection. For intracranial venous thrombosis, MRA provides excellent visualization of blood flow and can detect clots even in smaller veins.