Cherie Currie Undergoes Surgery for Carotid Blockage
The former Runaways singer had surgery after a stroke caused by a blockage of more than 90% in her inner carotid artery.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Stroke
Cherie Currie, lead singer of The Runaways, underwent surgery on November 4, 2026, to address a carotid artery blockage that caused a stroke. She had driven herself to a hospital in October and was released on October 20 after being diagnosed.
Why it matters
The case shows that stroke symptoms such as blurred vision and impaired mental acuity warrant immediate medical attention, as Currie sought care after recognizing them. Her treatment highlights how carotid blockages can be identified and addressed through imaging and surgical intervention.
The diagnosis rests on CT scan and ultrasound imaging showing a blockage of over 90% in Currie's inner carotid artery. Whether her slurred speech and left-side weakness will fully resolve is not yet known, and a further procedure is scheduled to examine the blockage.
The players
Cherie Currie
Cherie Currie is a 66-year-old singer best known as lead vocalist of the 1970s rock band The Runaways, and she publicly shared details of her stroke and treatment.
The details
Currie, 66, drove herself to a hospital in October after noticing eye blurring and impaired mental acuity. She was diagnosed with a stroke, kept in intensive care for low blood pressure, and has since reported slurred speech and weakness on her left side.
Timeline
October 18, 2026: Currie posted a video alerting fans she had been hospitalized.
October 20, 2026: Currie was released from the hospital.
November 3, 2026: Currie announced surgery was scheduled.
November 4, 2026: Currie underwent surgery for the carotid artery blockage.
November 30, 2026: A camera procedure through the groin artery is scheduled to examine the blockage.
Health Landscape
Currie's case mirrors the standard clinical pathway for high-grade carotid stenosis, in which imaging confirms the blockage and surgery or stenting follows. Her planned camera procedure through the groin artery reflects the catheter-based approach used alongside surgical options in this condition.
Recognizing stroke symptoms such as blurred vision, slurred speech, or sudden weakness on one side and seeking emergency care promptly can be critical. Carotid blockages are typically detected through CT scans or ultrasound, which is why a clinician evaluation is the next step after such symptoms appear.
The takeaway
Stroke symptoms like blurred vision, slurred speech, or one-sided weakness call for immediate medical evaluation, since carotid blockages can be found and treated before further damage occurs.
What happens next
A camera procedure through the groin artery to examine the carotid blockage is scheduled for November 30, 2026, with a separate surgery to follow.
Further reading
Learn more about the warning signs and treatment options in our Stroke coverage.
