Does carotid artery blockage cause dizziness?
Patient: If my carotid artery is blocked, would it cause dizziness when I bend over and come back up? I had testing done with lifeline November 2016 and it showed a mild to moderate blockage in the carotid artery. I started about 4 months ago having dizziness when I bend over to pick up something, empty the dishwasher, etc. It is not every day, but some days it is all day and I have to stop and just lie down. It only occurs when I bend over. It has been recommended that I have a heart catheterization but I would like to have my carotid artery checked out first. Could there be a causal relationship between a partially blocked carotid and this type of dizziness. (The room does not spin, it is lightheadedness following bending over.) Doctor: Hi,  The cause of dizziness is likely the vestibular system. Carotid artery blockage may cause dizziness because carotid arteries are important to supply oxygen to the brain.   If the occlusion or stenosis is severe (more than 70%) it may cause dizziness or vision problems. Up to 60% occlusions usually do not cause any symptoms.   But dizziness while bending is more suggestive of the vestibular system (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) rather than carotid artery stenosis. You should contact your ENT doctor to check for vestibular causes.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.