The word “carotid” is derived from the Greek word “karos,” meaning “to sink into a deep sleep.” In Latin, they were referred to as arteriae soporales or “arteries of sleep.” Compression of the carotid artery can cause a temporary loss of consciousness. For centuries, the cause of stroke was unknown and often attributed to “God’s punishment.” It was not understood that the brain is nourished by the carotid arteries, and therefore, these arteries were not initially considered as a potential cause of stroke.