Questions about the carotid artery and blood supply to the brain.

[theguitarist]

Hi.
I've been trying to understand some aspects of blood flow to the brain/

If the both the left and right common carotid arteries were blocked for a sufficiently long time, could it lead to complete brain death?
From my understanding, that must not be the case because the vertebral arteries also supply blood to the brain and the Circle of Willis system allows some blood to reach the brain even if the carotid arteries are blocked.
Collateral circulation can still allow blood to reach the different parts of the brain by providing alternate pathways.
But I've read in many places that both carotid arteries' compression/blockage has lead to complete brain anoxia.
Is this relaly so? Why? How likely is the case?

Thank you

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[gutonc]

The residency forums on SDN are not for homework help. Closing.