| Atherosclerotic
plaques develop in the carotid artery at the carotid bifurcation (where
the common carotid artery divides into the internal and external carotid
arteries). They develop because of the turbulence of blood flow
in this area. These plaques can cause problems by two mechanisms.
First, they can dislodge a piece of thrombus into the carotid artery,
which may go into the circulation of the brain, resulting in a stroke.
They may also restrict flow to the brain, which if reduced enough,
and if the circle of Willis is not patent, may result in a stroke. |
Glossary 
