
Because this procedure exists, it helps to improve and extend the life of those who use it.Ĭarotid ultrasounds are simple and painless, so there’s no need to be afraid of them. Without carotid ultrasounds, some people may never know they have serious health issues. Patients may prepare by removing jewelry and choosing a shirt or blouse that allows easy access to the neck. Really, they just need to make sure the doctor has access to the carotid arteries. Patients don’t need to do much before coming in for this procedure. How Should a Patient Prepare for a Carotid Ultrasound? No known risks are associated with carotid ultrasounds. Are There Any Risks?ĭoctors and patients alike can be at ease when participating in this procedure. This allows the doctor to see the blood flow throughout the rest of the body. These images are real-time views of the artery.Ī Doppler ultrasound may also be performed during the examination. From there it sends sound waves that produce the image the doctor is looking for. The end of the probe is placed on the gel.
CAROTID DOPPLER RADIOLOGY SKIN
First, ultrasound gel is placed on the skin over the examination area. How is it Performed?Ĭarotid ultrasounds are performed much like any other ultrasound. These include evaluating blood flow and locating tumors and clots. This will help reduce the risk of having a stroke.Ĭarotid ultrasounds are also used for several others things. If stenosis is discovered, a treatment plan can be created for the patient. This blockage or narrowing is called stenosis. During the procedure, a doctor checks to see if the arteries are blocked or narrowed. What is a Carotid Ultrasound Used For?Ī carotid ultrasound looks at how the carotid arteries are doing. These sound waves produce pictures, allowing doctors to understand the condition of the arteries. The risk of having a stroke can increase if issues are present in these arteries.Ĭarotid ultrasounds use sound waves to see what’s going on in the carotid arteries. These arteries transport blood from the heart to the brain. There are two of them – one on one side of the neck, and another on the other side. What is a Carotid Ultrasound?Ĭarotid arteries reside in the neck. Here are the answers to five frequently asked questions about this procedure.

So what, exactly, is a carotid ultrasound and how does it work? Keep reading to find out. Without this procedure, more strokes and other medical problems could occur. If so, you’ve come to the right place.Ī carotid ultrasound is an important procedure when it comes to examining blood flow through the body. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “carotid ultrasound” you may have wondered what it was. This test may be done as an alternative to more-invasive procedures, such as angiography, which involves injecting dye into the blood vessels so that they show up clearly on X-ray images.Ī Doppler ultrasound test may also help your doctor check for injuries to your arteries or to monitor certain treatments to your veins and arteries.What’s a carotid ultrasound? What’s the procedure for? And how is it done? Know the answers to these & more as we list the 5 FAQs about a carotid ultrasound. During a Doppler ultrasound, a technician trained in ultrasound imaging (sonographer) presses a small hand-held device (transducer), about the size of a bar of soap, against your skin over the area of your body being examined, moving from one area to another as necessary.

A Doppler ultrasound may help diagnose many conditions, including:
