People in Seoul, South Korea, watched a news report on North Korea's announcement of its first hydrogen bomb test on Wednesday. Credit Jung Yeon-Je/Agence France-Presse â Getty Images.
Carotid artery disease is also called carotid artery stenosis. The term refers to the narrowing of the carotid arteries. This narrowing is usually caused by the buildup of fatty substances and cholesterol deposits, called plaque. Carotid artery occlusion refers to complete blockage of the artery.
The external carotid artery is relatively straight, but the internal carotid artery twists and turns, increasing the likelihood of blockages. A severe blockage could cause a stroke because it would reduce blood flow to the brain.he external carotid artery brings blood to structures outside the skull, primarily the face, and the internal carotid to structures inside the skull, including the brain.