Vascular Surgery Can Lower Risk of Stroke

Written By: Sara Loch

Stroke is when blood flow to part of the brain is stopped.  It is a very serious condition because brain cells need a constant supply of oxygen and start to die within minutes of losing blood flow.  Once brain cells have died, they cannot come back and the victim can lose the function that those brain cells controlled.  Sometimes, vascular surgery can be done to make stroke less likely.

Carotid arteries

The main blood vessels that carry blood to the brain are called the carotid arteries.  They are located in the neck, and when they become narrowed they may require vascular surgery DC to minimize risk for stroke.  Narrowing of these arteries is usually due to a condition called atherosclerosis.  Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty substances or calcium on the inside lining if the arteries.  Without vascular surgery Washington DC, this build up makes it more likely that a clot will get stuck and block blood flow to the brain, causing a stoke.  Without vein surgery DC, the build up can also cause a stroke if a piece of it breaks off and travels to the brain.

Symptoms that vein surgery DC is needed

Sometimes, there is no indication that vascular surgery DC is needed on the carotid arteries until a stroke or TIA happens.  A TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke.  It is when blood flow to the brain is interrupted only briefly and the person fully recovers.  Symptoms of a stroke or TIA should not be ignored because they can mean that you need vein surgery DC.  These symptoms can include:

• Sudden weakness, clumsiness, or paralysis of an arm or leg on one side of the body.
• Confusion, dizziness, or fainting
• Numbness in face or in an arm or leg
• Temporary loss of vision
• Slurred speech

After a person suffers a stroke or TIA, the risk for a second stroke is very high.  At a vascular surgery center Washington DC, they may do a procedure to open the carotid arteries to lessen this risk.  During this vascular surgery DC, the arteries are opened and the plaque is cleaned out.  They may also place a stent to keep the artery open.