Carotid Doppler Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through the large carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain. These arteries can narrow due to arteriosclerosis or other causes and this can lead to mini stroke (mini-stroke) or CVA (stroke). This test can help doctors to determine stroke risk and help determine preventive measures.

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Carotid doppler ultrasound scanning is a painless procedure that measures the amount of blood flow in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are the two major arteries on each side of the neck that carry blood to the head.

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

An ultrasound of the body’s two carotid arteries, which are located on each side of the neck and carry blood from the heart to the brain, provides detailed pictures of these blood vessels and information about the blood flowing through them. A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of a carotid ultrasound examination.

Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood velocity as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.

The ultrasound technician will apply a jelly like substance to both sides of your neck. This helps lubricate the skin and allow the ultrasound sensor to move more freely on your skin. The sensor is moved back and forth over the neck area where the carotid arteries are located. The sensor generates sound waves that bounce off the arteries. The echo that bounces back is measured and the changes in frequency can measure the flow of blood. The flow will be different in areas that are narrowed.

 

This test takes an average of 15 - 30 minutes for most people, though it can vary for some. Once the test is completed you will be free to resume normal activities with no restrictions. The technician may offer a towelette to remove the remaining lubricant on your neck.

The completed test is recorded on a videotape by the ultrasound technician. The tape is reviewed by a diagnostic radiologist who measures the blood flow and determines the amount and location of any narrowing of the carotid arteries. The cardiologist will send a report to your doctor. The results should be available within a few days at most.

Your doctor will review the written report provided by the cardiologist. Further treatment recommendations will be based on the results of this test along with other factors as determined by your individual condition. One procedure that may be recommended is a carotid endarterectomy. This surgical procedure is done to open up constricted arteries and increase blood flow to the brain. There are other treatments that may also be recommended.

Male or female of any age
complaining of the following symptoms:

• Aphasia
• Abnormal GAIT
• CVA
• Carotid Stenosis
• Vertigo
• Numbness
• Syncope (faintness)

If you have had a mini stroke our doctor may order a carotid doppler to evaluate your carotid arteries. If there is narrowing of the one or both of these major arteries it is highly probable that the mini stroke was caused by this narrowing. Additionally if you have had a mini stroke caused by carotid stenosis (narrowing) you are at much higher risk of having a large stroke. If stenosis is diagnosed there are treatments avaialable that can help open up the arteries and prevent a large stroke.