Carotid artery stenosis a physician detects a carotid bruit, or murmur, over the carotid artery by listening through a stethoscope during a physical exam. For people with symptoms, the American Heart Association recommends initial screening using ultrasound (see diagnosis below). Carotid artery stenosis is usually diagnosed by color flow duplex ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries in the neck. This involves no radiation, no needles and no contrast agents that may cause allergic reactions. This test has good sensitivity and specificity. Typically duplex ultrasound scan is the only investigation required for decision making in carotid stenosis as it is widely available and rapidly
Striate arteries Striate arteries Striate arteries or ganglionic arteries arise from the middle cerebral artery and supply deep structures in the cerebrum, including the internal capsule and reticular formation. Strokes in these vessels are common and can cause extensive damage. This is because emboli are carried up the carotid and tend to be swept into the MCA, sometimes called the "artery of stroke", and are prone to getting stuck at this branch point in the lateral sulcus. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a large-diameter vessel that branches at an acute angle from the internal carotid artery. The MCA passes laterally just