Neuropsychological functions after carotid endarterectomy.

Psychological testing was performed on 23 patients (mean age 60.7 years) with unilateral or bilateral stenoses of the carotid arteries prior to and 10 months after carotid endarterectomy. Intellectual functions were slightly improved, mnemic functions impaired, psychomotor functions and dimension of personality remained unchanged. Carotid endarterectomy, although improving neuropsychological functions in a few cases, on average does not cause a significant improvement. This underscores the preventive character of the surgical intervention.