Carotid Artery Stenosis Treatment in Prattville, AL

Expert Stroke Prevention Through Advanced Carotid Care

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Protect Your Brain and Prevent Stroke with Expert Vascular Care

Carotid artery stenosis is a serious condition that significantly increases your risk of stroke. At Advanced Vascular and Wound Care in Prattville, Alabama, our board-certified vascular surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating carotid artery disease using both surgical and minimally invasive approaches to prevent life-threatening strokes.



Don't let carotid artery blockages put you at risk for stroke. Early detection and expert treatment can protect your brain, preserve your independence, and help you maintain quality of life for years to come.

What Is Carotid Artery Stenosis?

This condition develops when plaque builds up inside the carotid arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. If left untreated, plaque can rupture or block the artery, causing a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)—often without warning.


Who’s at Risk?


  • Age 60+
  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure or cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of stroke or heart disease


Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore


Many people have no symptoms until a stroke occurs. Warning signs may include:


  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side
  • Slurred speech or confusion
  • Vision loss, dizziness, or loss of balance


Even if symptoms resolve quickly, call 911 immediately.


How We Diagnose Carotid Disease


  • Carotid ultrasound
  • CT angiography
  • MR angiography
  • Digital subtraction angiography (when needed for surgery planning)


Screening is recommended for those with risk factors or a history of TIA or stroke.

Carotid Treatment Options

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Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)

 A time-tested surgery to remove plaque directly through a small neck incision. Best for patients with 70%+ blockage or stroke symptoms.

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Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)

A minimally invasive option using a stent to open the artery via a catheter inserted in the groin. Ideal for high-risk surgical patients.

We help determine the best approach based on severity, symptoms, anatomy, and your overall health.

Benefits of Treatment

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Reduced Stroke Risk:

Removes or stabilizes plaque that could lead to stroke.

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Minimally Invasive Options:

Stenting allows faster recovery for eligible patients.

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Personalized Care Plans:

Tailored treatment based on imaging, risk, and lifestyle

Why Choose Advanced Vascular & Wound Care?

Dr. Justin Parden is board-certified in Vascular Surgery with extensive experience performing both carotid endarterectomy and stenting procedures. Our Prattville facility features advanced imaging and surgical equipment, ensuring precise diagnosis and optimal treatment outcomes.


Our multidisciplinary approach includes coordination with neurologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians to provide comprehensive stroke prevention care. We maintain excellent surgical outcomes with low complication rates and focus on personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Life After Treatment: Recovery & Prevention

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Recovery

CEA patients typically return to activities in 1–2 weeks. Stenting patients may go home the same day and recover faster.

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Prevention

Medications, blood pressure control, and lifestyle changes like exercise and smoking cessation are key to long-term stroke protection.

Know the Stroke Warning Signs: FAST

Don’t wait—every second counts in stroke treatment.

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Face drooping

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Arm weakness

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Speech difficulty

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Time to call 911

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How dangerous is carotid artery stenosis?

    Severe carotid stenosis significantly increases stroke risk. Patients with 70% or greater stenosis have annual stroke rates of 2-5%, while symptomatic patients face much higher risks without treatment.

  • What percentage of blockage requires treatment?

    Generally, symptomatic patients with 50% or greater stenosis and asymptomatic patients with 70% or greater stenosis benefit from intervention. However, plaque characteristics and individual risk factors also influence treatment decisions.

  • Is carotid surgery or stenting better?

    Both procedures are excellent for stroke prevention. Surgery (CEA) has longer-term data and may be preferred for younger, healthier patients. Stenting may be better for high-risk surgical candidates or those with challenging anatomy.

  • How long does carotid surgery take?

    Carotid endarterectomy typically takes 2-3 hours, while carotid stenting usually takes 1-2 hours. Times vary based on complexity and individual anatomy.

  • What is recovery like after carotid procedures?

    CEA patients usually stay 1-2 days with 1-2 week recovery. Stenting patients often go home same day with faster return to activities. Most patients resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks.

  • Will treatment prevent all future strokes?

    While treatment dramatically reduces stroke risk from carotid disease, patients remain at risk for other causes of stroke. Ongoing medical management and lifestyle modifications are essential for comprehensive stroke prevention.

  • Can carotid stenosis return after treatment?

    Restenosis (re-narrowing) can occur but is uncommon with modern techniques. CEA has excellent long-term durability, while stented arteries require ongoing monitoring with ultrasound.

  • Should I take medications after carotid treatment?

    Yes, antiplatelet medications (like aspirin or clopidogrel) are typically prescribed long-term. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes medications remain important for continued stroke prevention.

  • How often do I need follow-up after treatment?

    Regular follow-up includes duplex ultrasound monitoring, typically at 1 month, 6 months, then annually. This ensures the treated artery remains open and monitors the opposite carotid artery.

  • What happens if I do not treat my carotid stenosis?

    Untreated severe carotid stenosis carries significant stroke risk. While not all patients will have strokes, the consequences of stroke can be devastating, including paralysis, speech problems, or death.

Schedule Your Carotid Evaluation

Don’t let carotid stenosis go undetected. Call (334) 659-4717 to schedule your consultation with Central Alabama’s trusted vascular experts at Advanced Vascular & Wound Care.

Call (334) 659-4717