The occlusion of the artery usually develops slowly. Atherosclerotic plaque does not necessarily cause stroke . There are many small blood vessels around the carotid arteries. If there is enough collateral circulation, even a totally blocked artery may not cause neurologic deficits. Risks are the same as for stroke secondary to atherosclerosis.
Prevention includes control of risk factors.
Hypertension , diabetes , heart disease , and other risk factors should be treated as appropriate. Smoking should be minimized or, preferably, stopped. Treatment of TIA may prevent some strokes. A bruit, an abnormal sound heard with the stethoscope, may be heard over the carotid arteries of the neck. See Stroke .