Carotid artery - paired vessels supplying blood to all organs and tissues of the head and neck, primarily the brain and eyes. But what do we know about her? Probably, the only thought that comes to mind is that by pressing with your fingers in the area where it lies (on the throat, towards the trachea), you can always easily find the pulse.
The structure of the carotid artery
The common carotid artery (the number "3" in the figure) originates in the chest area and consists of two blood vessels - the right and left. It rises along the trachea and esophagus along the transverse processes of the vertebrae of the neck closer to the front of the human body.
The right common carotid artery has a length of 6 to 12 centimeters and begins from the brachiocephalic trunk, and ends with a division in the region of the upper edge of the thyroid cartilage.
The left common carotid artery is a couple of centimeters longer than the right (its size can reach 16 centimeters), since it starts a little lower - from the aortic arch.
The common carotid artery (its left and right parts) from the chest area rises vertically upward along the muscles covering the cervical vertebrae. In the center between the right and left vessel, the esophagus tube and trachea pass. Outside of it, closer to the front of the neck, is the same paired jugular vein. Her blood flow is directed down to the heart muscle. And between the common carotid artery and the jugular vein is the vagus nerve. Together they form a cervical neurovascular bundle.
Bifurcation of the common carotid artery
Above, near the edge of the thyroid cartilage, the carotid artery is divided into internal and external / external (in the first figure are indicated by the numbers 1 and 2). At the bifurcation site, where the common carotid artery branches into two processes, there is an extension called the carotid sinus and carotid glomus - a small nodule adjacent to the sinus. This reflexogenic zone is very important in the human body, it is responsible for blood pressure (its stability), constancy of the heart muscle and the gas composition of the blood.
The external carotid artery is divided into several groups of large vessels and supplies blood to the salivary and thyroid glands, facial and muscles of the tongue, the occipital and parotid regions, the region of the upper jaw and the temporal region. It consists of:
- external thyroid;
- ascending pharyngeal;
- language;
- facial;
- occipital;
- back ear arteries.
The internal carotid artery is divided into five vessels and is engaged in transporting blood to the eyeballs, the front and back of the brain, the spinal cord in the region of the cervical vertebrae. Consists of seven segments:
- Connective.
- Eye.
- Cervical.
- Rocky.
- Wedge-shaped.
- Cavernous.
- Torn Hole Segment.
Carotid blood flow measurement
To measure blood flow, you must undergo a study called duplex scanning of brachiocephalic vessels (USA BCA). Brachiocephalic (main) vessels are the largest arteries and veins on the human body - carotid, vertebral, subclavian. They are responsible for the flow of blood to the brain, tissues of the head and upper limbs.
The result of the ultrasound examination of BCA shows:
- the width of the lumen of the vessels;
- the presence / absence of plaques, exfoliations, blood clots on their walls;
- expansion / stenosis of the walls of blood vessels;
- the presence of deformations, gaps, aneurysms.
The blood flow rate for the brain is 55 ml / 100 g of tissue. It is precisely this level of passage along the carotid artery that guarantees good blood supply to the brain and the absence of narrowing of the lumen, plaques, and deformations of the carotid artery.
Carotid Thrombosis
When the internal / general / external carotid arteries become blocked (a blood clot forms in the lumen of the vessel), an ischemic stroke occurs, and sometimes even a sudden death. The main cause of blood clots is atherosclerosis, which leads to the formation of plaque. Other reasons for the appearance of plaques include:
- the presence of such ailments as fibromuscular dysplasia, diseases of Moyamoy, Horton, Takayasu;
- traumatic brain injury with hematoma in the artery region;
- structural features of arteries: hypoplasia, tortuosity;
- smoking;
- diabetes;
- obesity.
Symptoms of Plaque
It should be understood that the common carotid artery, in which there is a narrowing of the gaps and the formation of plaques, may not manifest itself in any way. However, there are signs by which the doctor can diagnose their presence.
- neck pain
- severe paroxysmal headaches;
- loss of consciousness, fainting;
- periodic blindness in one or both eyes;
- blurred vision during physical exertion;
- cataract;
- the presence of specific tinnitus (blowing or screaming);
- paralysis of the feet and legs;
- disturbances when walking;
- sheer slowness, lethargy;
- weak chewing movements;
- retinal color change;
- cramps
- hallucinations, delusions, impaired consciousness;
- speech disorder and more.
The gradual deterioration of the brain, associated with a violation of its blood supply and heart attack (in the case of complete obstruction of the vessel) can significantly change life at any time.
Treatment of carotid blockage
Before prescribing treatment, an examination is carried out that allows you to find out the features of the course of the disease, to determine the exact location of the affected artery:
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Rheoencephalography (REG) - obtaining information about the elasticity and tone of the vessels of the head.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) - a study of the state of the functions of the brain.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - gives a detailed idea of the state of the brain substance, blood vessels and nervous system.
- Computed tomography (CT) is an X-ray examination of brain structures.
After clarifying the diagnosis, depending on the degree and characteristics of the course of the disease, prescribe treatment:
- Conservative. Preventive treatment with certain drugs (anticoagulants and thrombolytics) for several months or even years, with periodic monitoring of the degree of improvement.
- Surgical / neurosurgical treatment (for multiple blood clots, the risk of thromboembolism):
- Blockade of novocaine.
- Laying a workaround for the blood flow of the clogged section of the carotid artery.
- Replacing a portion of a damaged vessel with vascular prostheses.