Course

Carotid stenosis and plaque — watershed vs embolic patterns and imaging (ultrasound/CTA/MRA) (Advanced)

Advanced course: carotid narrowing can cause stroke by low flow (watershed) or artery-to-artery emboli. Learn imaging options (carotid ultrasound, CTA, MRA), how patterns differ, and what prevention questions to ask

FoundationsCaregiver, SurvivorAdvanced55 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice.

What you'll learn

  • Understand carotid stenosis as an upstream stroke mechanism
  • Differentiate low-flow watershed vs embolic patterns (high-level)
  • Understand carotid ultrasound vs CTA vs MRA roles
  • Ask questions about risk factor targets and follow-up imaging

Practice check

Check your understanding

A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. Carotid stenosis can cause both watershed (low-flow) and embolic stroke patterns.

Question 2

2. Carotid ultrasound is used to…

Question 3

3. CTA/MRA help by…