Preventing Stroke – What You Need to Know

What is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked. Without enough oxygen, brain cells can get damaged very quickly. This can lead to:

Sudden weakness or numbness (often on one side of the body)

Trouble speaking or understanding words

Vision problems

Loss of balance or severe headache

👉 Sometimes, people experience a “mini-stroke” (TIA) first. This is a short, temporary episode that goes away but is a warning sign of a bigger stroke ahead.

What Causes Stroke?

One major cause is carotid artery disease. The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels in your neck that carry blood to the brain. Over time, fatty deposits called plaques can build up inside them, making the arteries narrow.

This can:

Reduce blood flow to the brain

Cause TIAs (mini-strokes)

Lead to a full stroke if a clot blocks the artery completely

Treatment: Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)

Carotid artery stenting is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that opens up narrowed carotid arteries.

Here’s how it helps:

A small mesh tube called a stent is placed inside the artery.

The stent keeps the artery open.

This restores normal blood flow to the brain.

Result: The risk of future stroke is greatly reduced.

Stroke Treatment vs Stroke Prevention

Stroke Prevention: Carotid artery stenting is done before a major stroke happens, especially in patients who have already had a TIA or have severe narrowing.

Stroke Treatment: In an ongoing stroke, doctors may perform a thrombectomy, a procedure that removes a blood clot from a blocked artery in the brain.

Why Choose Dr. Masood Ahmed?

With over 33 years of experience, Dr. Masood Ahmed is a leading interventional cardiologist & endovascular specialist at Saleem Memorial Hospital, Lahore.

Special training at top international centers

Expertise in advanced carotid artery stenting

Focus on patient safety and best outcomes

Take Care of Your Brain Health 🧠

If you have symptoms like sudden dizziness, weakness, or vision changes—or if you’ve had a mini-stroke—don’t wait. Early check-ups and treatment can prevent a major stroke and protect your quality of life.

📍 Book an appointment with Dr. Masood Ahmed today – Prevention is better than cure!

Benefits of Carotid Artery Stenting

Carotid artery stenting offers several advantages over traditional carotid endarterectomy (CEA), a surgical procedure in which the plaque is surgically removed from the artery.

Minimally Invasive
Faster Recovery
Reduced Risk for High-Risk Patient
Precision and Accuracy

Who Should Consider Carotid Artery Stenting?

Carotid artery stenting may be recommended for individuals who have:

Severe Carotid Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of the carotid artery by more than 50%, particularly in patients with symptoms such as TIAs or a previous stroke.
High-Risk for Surgery: Patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery due to health conditions such as heart disease, pulmonary issues, or previous strokes.
Atherosclerosis: Patients with plaque buildup in the arteries that increases the risk of stroke.

Why Choose Dr. Masood Ahmed for Carotid Artery Stenting?

Dr. Masood Ahmed brings decades of expertise in interventional cardiology and endovascular procedures to provide exceptional care for patients with carotid artery disease. His vast experience and specialized training at global centers of excellence, including in Austria, France, and South Korea, ensure that patients receive cutting-edge treatment.

33 Years of Experience

What is the cost of ICA (Internal Carotid Artery) stenting?

The cost of ICA stenting can range from PKR 500,000 to PKR 700,000, depending on the complexity and type of stent used.

Can you stent a 100% blocked carotid artery?

Yes, carotid artery stenting can be performed on a 100% blocked artery, but it requires advanced techniques and careful evaluation to ensure safety.

How risky is carotid stenting?

Carotid stenting carries some risks, including stroke, bleeding, and nerve injury, but with proper assessment and an experienced team, the risks are generally low.

What is the alternative to a carotid artery stent?

The main alternative is carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure where the plaque is removed from the artery. Medications and lifestyle changes may also be considered for less severe cases.