blocked carotid

[Mygospa]

I was diagnosed about ten years ago with stenosis of the left carotid and I have been on statins since then. Recently I had an event which may have been a TIA . My symptoms were as follows:

For 15 minutes I Lost my speech, was disoriented and confused. Currently my stenosis is between 70 and 80%. I am 82 years old. My mother diagnosed with the same condition had a major stroke at age 76.

4 years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s (no tremors).

should I go ahead with endarterectomy?

Thanks for your advice

[Engineer46]

Mygospa, welcome to the forum.

Firstly, no one here can give you the precise advice that you are seeking, because we are not medically trained and, even if wen were, we have no knowledge of your health status.

However, here are a few observations on your very clear and concise post.

It appears that statins have not prevented the gradual build up of plaque in your carotid artery, which is disappointing.

You mention that you have been diagnosed as having Parkinson's Disease but that you have no tremor. Assuming that you have no other PD symptoms currently affecting your quality of life, it is to be hoped that you have not been prescribed Levodopa/Carbidopa, as these drugs only mask symptoms of PD and can produce serious side effects.

As to the carotid artery stenosis, you will be aware that there are two types of treatment, stenting or endarterectomy. Each has benefits and risks that can only be sensibly discussed with your medical team, those who understand your individual circumstances. It is always difficult at our age (I'm 77) to weigh up the risks of surgery, because the doctors have to attempt to quantify the chance of a poor outcome for the patient.

However, since you have possibly recently experienced a TIA, and given your family history, it would appear that doing nothing also comes with significant risk which should also be discussed with your doctors.

I wish you the very best, whatever you ultimately decide to do.

Paul

[Anwarhussain]

You should not delay this procedure because dispite of stating therapy and blood thinners you have seventy percent block and have Tia. Dr Anwar Hussain family medicine specialist