Carotid artery disease typically has no symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. However, many times, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a sign of carotid artery disease. Often called “mini strokes,” TIAs are considered warning signs of a future stroke. They can occur when small pieces of plaque temporarily interrupt the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Symptoms of a TIA include:

TIAs may also cause a variety of visual symptoms that include:

• Partial loss of vision or complete blindness
• Double vision
• Abnormal eye movement
• Blurred vision
• A gray shading or fogging within the field of vision

People who have experienced these symptoms are urged to see a physician immediately to determine whether they had a TIA and whether they have carotid artery disease. An estimated 20 to 25 percent of TIA patients will develop a stroke within the next two years, and research has shown that 11 percent of patients who have a TIA diagnosed in the emergency room will suffer a stroke in the next 90 days.