Carotid Artery Disease and its treatment by Neurosurgeon Dr. Ramon Navarro Balbuena

Dr. Ramon Navarro Balbuena is a Spanish-board certified one of the best Neurosurgeons in Dubai. At present, he is working at American Hospital, Dubai. With a thriving experience of over 20 years, he has offered his services in different countries including Spain, the USA, and UAE. His special interest lies in the field of diagnosing and treating Cerebrovascular conditions such as arteriovenous malformations, stroke, and aneurysms. His education qualification includes a medical degree from the University of Navarra in Spain, a Specialization in Neurosurgery, and a year of Fellowship in Paediatric Neurosurgery in Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Other fellowships are in Spine Neurosurgery from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami two-year Combined Neuro-interventional Cerebrovascular Clinical Fellow in Mayo Clinic. His speCarotid socialization lies in the treatment of brain aneurysms, Arterio-venous, malformations, cavernous malformation, Moyamoya disease, Carotid disease, and Brain tumours.

Carotid Artery Disease

It occurs when fatty deposits obstruct the blood vessels that are responsible to deliver the blood to the brain and head. Due to these blockages, there is a high risk of stroke. It can cause a medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or seriously reduced. Stroke deprives the brain of oxygen. Within no time the brain cells begin to die. Stroke is one among the foremost common causes of death and therefore the leading explanation for permanent disability.

Carotid artery disease develops slowly and silently. The foremost sign of this condition may be a stroke or transient ischemic attack that is a temporary shortage of blood flow to the brain.

Treatment of arteria carotis disease may be a combination of lifestyle changes, a couple of medications, and sometimes surgery.

Symptoms

There are no signs and signals seen in the early stages of carotid artery disease. Some of the quite common signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness within the face or limbs
• Trouble while speaking and understanding
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe headache without any known cause

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound
• CT Scan or MRI
• CT Angiography
• MR Angiography

Treatment

The major goal behind the treatment of carotid artery disease is to prevent stroke. Treatment is specified depending on the extent of blockage in carotid arteries.

Mild to moderate blockages require:

Lifestyle Changes To Slow The Progression Of Atherosclerosis - Quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthy foods, reducing salt, and exercising regularly have a great impact on the overall health.

Medication to Control Blood Pressure or Lower Cholesterol Level- The doctor may also recommend a daily dose of aspirin or blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots.

In case of severe blockages:

· Carotid Endarterectomy – It is one of the most common treatments for severe carotid artery disease where a long incision is made along the front of your neck. Then the surgeon opens the affected arteria carotis and removes all the plaques. The artery is finally repaired with either stitches or a graft.

· Carotid Angioplasty And Stenting – When the blockage is too difficult to approach with carotid endarterectomy or any health conditions that make surgery too risky. Local anaesthesia is provided and a small balloon is threaded by a catheter to the area of the clog. The balloon is inflated and the artery is widened and a small wire mesh coil is then inserted to keep the artery from narrowing again.

Take Away

Share all your queries and doubts with the doctor in detail. For proper consultation contact Dr. Ramon Navarro Balbuena the best neurosurgeon in UAE working at American Hospital Dubai.