Major artery to brain; arises from common carotid bifurcation
Expansion
Internal Carotid Artery
Purpose
Assess for stenosis (stroke risk), occlusion, dissection, aneurysm
Clinical Context
Internal carotid artery supplies anterior circulation (anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery). Stenosis greater than 70 percent or symptomatic 50 to 69 percent stenosis indicates carotid intervention.
Related Terms
- External carotid artery
- Carotid artery
Key Points
- Internal carotid artery stenosis 50 to 69 percent or greater than 70 percent determines stroke risk and carotid intervention candidacy