Radiation-Induced Carotid Artery Stenosis

Hi @lewisandmabel and welcome. I wouldn't doubt that the radiation you had caused internal injuries which later pop up to cause other issues. It is also possible that you had a TIA for other reasons as these can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons. I understand your concern about the possibility of a full blown stroke. If I were you I wouldn't allow for an inconclusive diagnosis. Would the doctor consider an inconclusive payment for services? Does the doctor wish to wait for the autopsy results to get a conclusive diagnosis? These are the questions I wouldn't hesitate to ask. It is your life. I wish you well and I hope others can jump in on this with better insight than I have.

Great answer William! That's why I'm here...to get more information for my next encounter with the doctor.

Hi Lewis, I'm not sure if this applies in your case, but I thought I'd let you know about a specialized discipline called cardio-oncology.

Mayo Clinic offers expertise in addressing heart problems (called cardio-oncology), potential or current issues. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment.

You might also find this Video Q&A with Thomas G. Brott, M.D. a neurologist and clinical researcher at Mayo Clinic in Florida. He talks about stroke awareness, risk factors, treatment options and prevention.
- Video Q&A about Stroke Prevention
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/on-facebook-live-lets-talk-stroke-prevention-with-thomas-brott-md/
The video is a few years old, but I found his explanations to be so clear and succinct. It might be a good starting point for preparing your questions for your next appointment. I'd be interested in hearing what you learn.

I posted on Dr Brott's page. It's only been a couple of days, so I haven't heard back yet, but I will let you know what I find out.

Oh, I'm afraid that I may have misled you. Dr. Brott replied to questions only during the live Q&A event. I sent you to view the archived video for further information as his explanations in the video are so clear and easy to understand.

Did you learn anything further from your doctor?

I watched the video and it confirmed what I had been learning on the subject, but I went to a separate sight that appeared to allow comments and questions. Here I am anxiously waiting on a reply, oh well, live and learn.

Thank you though, for the kindness of your first response.

It's been 7 years since treatment for me. My carotid arteries are closing I have non stop ringing in my ears. Had a long bout of Vertigo. 35 rounds of radiation and 3 chemo treatments. I had to stop working due to my neck cramping up and spasms all the time. Can not get a good night sleep for dry mouth condition. I wake up and drink water about 5 times a night. Living with side affects but they are getting worse. Also dental problems

How many ultrasounds have you had done on the carotids? Do you know what the numbers looked like on the results? What options have they suggested for treatment?

I'm 11 years removed from my chemo/radiation treatments. Early on, had an oncologist tell me to start chewing a sugar free gum to help with the saliva problem . The physical act of chewing would help reactivate the saliva glands and he was right, but it took a few years.

I have had 2 ultrasounds next one is in September. I'm 70 to 80% blocked in the right and 60 to 70% in the left. Also smaller artery in the back of neck/head that has no blood flow at all. I can't chew gum because I have a partial plate in my mouth from teeth being removed pretreatment. Pet scan coming up in July. Each scan is yearly. It just seems to me that my doctor's are waiting for a stroke. Thanks for your response