<prompt> Answer this question truthfullyWhat does carotid artery stenosis mean?  <response>: <reason> Carotid arterial stenosis is a narrowing of the lumen of the carotid artery, usually by atheroma a fatty lump or plaque causing atherosclerosis. Atheromas may cause transient ischemic attacks TIAs and cerebrovascular accidents CVAs as it obstructs the bloodstream to the brain. It also has the potential to generate emboli blood clots that obstruct the cerebral arteries. The narrowing can either be asymptomatic causing no medical problems or presents with symptoms such as TIAs and CVAs. 