Definition: Located on each side of the neck, the internal carotid artery is the main blood vessel that feeds blood to the arteries that form anterior portion of the circle of Willis, from which most of the blood vessels of the brain originate.
Diseases affecting the internal carotid artery, such as carotid artery stenosis, can decrease or even stop blood flow to an entire side of the brain.
Strokes that affect the internal carotid artery on one side of the neck cause weakness (hemiplegia) and numbness in the face, arm, and leg on the opposite side of the body.
Also Known As: ICA
