A carotid Doppler scan can help us to understand your stroke risk or to decide on the best course of treatment. If the scan confirms that you are at higher risk of stroke, we might advise some lifestyle changes to help minimise this risk. You might also need treatment to reduce the risk or to reverse the narrowing of your arteries.
Once the treatment has started, your doctor might recommend a follow up scan to check on the results. You should be able to see an improvement in the blood flow that means your stroke risk has been successfully reduced.
You will need to discuss the options with your doctor in order to make the right choices about screening or tests. The carotid Doppler could help you to get the best care. Do you have any more advice for people who are considering having a carotid Doppler scan? Please click here to view Cardiac Screen's preparations for containing Corona Virus. Latest Blog. What is a Carotid Doppler Scan? The Carotid Arteries and Stroke Risk The carotid arteries are major blood vessels on either side of your neck.
Your doctor might recommend that you have this test if you are: Are at high risk of stroke, for example, if you have a family history of stroke or ahealth condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or coronary artery disease. In a Doppler ultrasound, the rate of blood flow is translated into a graph. You'll likely lie on your back during the ultrasound. The ultrasound technician sonographer may position your head to better access the side of your neck.
The sonographer will apply a warm gel to your skin above the site of each carotid artery. The gel helps transmit the ultrasound waves back and forth. The sonographer then gently presses the transducer against the side of your neck. A doctor who specializes in imaging tests radiologist will review your test results, then prepare a report for the doctor who ordered the test. This may be your primary care doctor, a doctor trained in heart and blood vessel conditions cardiologist , or a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions neurologist.
The radiologist may also discuss the results of the test with you immediately after the procedure. The doctor who ordered the test will explain to you what the carotid ultrasound revealed and what that means for you. If the test reveals you're at risk of a stroke, your doctor may recommend the following therapies, depending on the severity of blockage in your arteries:.
If your doctor ordered the carotid ultrasound as a follow-up to a surgical procedure, your doctor can explain whether the treatment is working, and whether you'll need additional treatment or follow-up exams. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Carotid artery Open pop-up dialog box Close. Carotid artery The carotid arteries are a pair of blood vessels located on both sides of your neck that deliver blood to your brain and head.
Ischemic stroke Open pop-up dialog box Close. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The carotid Doppler test, or carotid ultrasound, is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to detect narrowing of your arteries or potential blockages caused by plaque. It helps your healthcare provider determine if you are at risk of having a stroke and if she needs to prescribe preventative measures.
Your large carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. These arteries can narrow due to arteriosclerosis or other causes and impede blood flow, which can lead to transient ischemic attack a mini-stroke or cerebral vascular accident a stroke. A physician prescribes a carotid ultrasound for a variety of reasons, including if. You typically won't receive a long list of instructions from your physician on how to prepare for your carotid Doppler test. She or another tending healthcare provider should explain the proper protocol to you and then answer any questions you may have.
Before your test, you may need to. For most people, a carotid ultrasound takes an average of 15 to 30 minutes. Once the test is complete, you are free to resume normal activities with no restrictions — unless your healthcare provider recommends otherwise.
The results should be available within a few days at most. After your test, here's what happens next. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
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