Carotid Ultrasound (Carotid Doppler)

what`s the evaluation?

Ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to generate snap shots or moving pictures of structures in your body. This imaging technique works in a manner much like radar and sonar, developed to find submarines that were otherwise undetectable, missiles, and airplanes. After coating a tiny area of your skin with a lubricant a radiologist or ultrasound tech might rub it back and forth to have the perfect opinion and puts a ultrasound transducer, which resembles a microphone. The transducer sends sound waves and picks up the echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off tissue and internal organs. These echoes are transformed by A computer into an image that`s displayed on a track.

Doppler ultrasound is also a version of this technique that doesn`t only shows structures that are internal but also examines the flow of blood flow through arteries. Together with the Doppler effect--the shift in the frequency of light or sound waves as they bounce off a moving object--this sort of Ultra sound produces a picture of blood in motion.

A Carotid ultrasound shows the amount of blood flow in the carotid arteries, the significant arteries to the mind located on either side of one`s neck. Whether there`s a narrowing of one`s carotid arteries because of cholesterol flows or another problem During this imaging technique, your doctor can see. This evaluation is utilized to evaluate people who have had a stroke or who is at elevated risk for one.

How do I prepare for this test?

No preparation is essential.

What happens after the test is performed?

After hammering some obvious jelly onto one side of one`s neck that will help around the ultrasound detector slide a tech puts the detector from the skin. An image appears on a video monitor. Different perspectives of the carotid artery appear on the monitor as the detector moves and back in your neck. You hear a noise that sounds like your pulse, as the equipment measures the blood flow through the artery. The opposing side of one`s neck is checked in exactly the same way. This evaluation typically takes 15--half an hour.

What risks are there from this exam?

There are no risks.

Must I do anything special after the exam is over?

No.

How long is it before the outcome of the evaluation is understood?

The tech records the evaluation videotape for review with a radiologist. Measurements are then made by the radiologist and submits a written report to your doctor. Your doctor should have the results in just a couple of days.

Further advice

Always consult your physician to be sure the information displayed on these pages applies to your circumstances.