Stenosis

• Carotid artery stenosis, or narrowing of the artery, is caused by the build up of plaque. You can have a stroke if the artery becomes so narrow that blood cannot get through to the brain.
  
  

Atherosclerosis

• Hardening arteries, or Atherosclerosis, can also occur in the carotid arteries. This is similar to stenosis except that the plaque hardens into a calcium-like material. Atherosclerosis can lead to strokes if not treated. Sometimes bits of plaque break off and cause clots which can also cause strokes.
  
  

Thrombus

• Thrombus is a blood clot that forms in the artery and stays in one spot. It can block blood flow to the brain depending on the size of the clot. This can lead to a stroke.
  
  

Embolism

• Emboli are traveling blood clots that can end up in smaller arteries and cut off blood flow. These can travel into the brain and cause a stroke.
  
  

Peripheral Aneurysm

• An aneurysm can occur in any artery. It is known as a peripheral aneurysm when it does not occur in the aorta. An aneurysm is a bulge in the artery that if not addressed can burst.