Narrowing or stricture of the internal, common, or external carotid artery, most often as a result of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Ulcerations may form in atherosclerotic plaques and induce thrombus formation. Platelet or cholesterol emboli may arise from stenotic carotid lesions and induce a transient ischemic attack (ISCHEMIC ATTACK, TRANSIENT) or CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT. Emboli which travel to the eye may manifest as AMAUROSIS FUGAX (temporary blindness). (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp822-3)