What is the most important artery in your neck?

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What is the most important artery in your neck?

carotid arteries
The carotid arteries are major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face. There are two carotid arteries, one on the right and one on the left. In the neck, each carotid artery branches into two divisions: The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain.

What happens if carotid artery is damaged?

If the narrowing of the carotid arteries becomes severe enough that blood flow is blocked, it can cause a stroke. If a piece of plaque breaks off it can also block blood flow to the brain. This too can cause a stroke.

Can carotid artery hurt?

Carotidynia is a pain that you feel in your neck or face. It is linked with physical changes that can happen in a carotid artery in your neck. Your neck may feel tender in the area of the artery. The pain often goes up the neck to the jaw, ear, or forehead.

What are the symptoms of a blocked artery in the neck?

Symptoms

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, often on only one side of the body.
  • Sudden trouble speaking and understanding.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Can you live with only one carotid artery?

Many people function normally with one completely blocked carotid artery, provided they haven’t had a disabling stroke. If narrowing hasn’t caused complete blockage, then a revascularization procedure may be warranted.

How do you know if something is wrong with your carotid artery?

Your doctor may listen to the arteries in your neck with a stethoscope. If an abnormal sound, called a bruit, is heard over an artery, it may reflect turbulent blood flow. That could indicate carotid artery disease.

What does a blood clot in the neck feel like?

Blood clots can cause swelling in the veins of your neck or arms, but this is rare. Thrombphlebitis affects superficial veins and is a different condition than a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Symptoms of thrombophlebitis include swelling, redness, and tenderness over the affected vein.

How do you know if your carotid artery is blocked?

Diagnosis and Tests A doctor will listen to the arteries in your neck with a stethoscope. An abnormal rushing sound, called a bruit (pronounced BROO-ee), may indicate carotid artery disease. However, bruits are not always present when there are blockages, and may be heard even when the blockage is minor.

Are you awake during carotid artery surgery?

Carotid endarterectomy is performed with local anesthesia, so you are awake during the procedure. It is easier for the doctor to monitor blood flow to the brain when you are awake, which helps him or her determine whether a tube called a shunt is needed.

What does a clogged artery in the neck feel like?

A vertebral artery tear may feel like something sharp is stuck in the base of your skull. If you experience such pain — especially if you also have stroke symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, jerky eye movements, unsteadiness while walking, or slurred speech — call 911 immediately.

What are the symptoms of a blocked artery in your neck?