A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves of high frequency to look at the structure and blood flow in the carotid arteries. There are two main carotid arteries in the body and their main role is to transport oxygenated blood directly from the heart to the brain.
You have recently had a stroke or a TIA. Sudden weakness on one side, facial droop, trouble finding words or vision loss in one eye can all point to a problem in the carotid arteries.
Your doctor heard a soft whooshing sound while listening to your neck. That sound means blood is flowing roughly past something. Ultrasound shows us how tight the narrowing really is.
High blood pressure, stubborn cholesterol, diabetes, or a heavy family history of heart trouble means your doc will want an inside look.
Those who already have carotid stenosis. In that case we use ultrasound to watch the narrowing over time. It tells us if things are stable or if the plaque is progressing and treatment timing needs to change.
Patients who have had short-lived neurologic symptoms that match the territory supplied by the carotid arteries. Temporary blindness in one eye or brief weakness can be warning signs.
Patients who had a carotid endarterectomy or stent placed. Follow-up ultrasounds let us make sure the treated artery is staying open and that no new narrowing has developed.
Not every patient with risk factors needs this test. Your cardiologist looks at your specific symptoms and your overall cardiovascular picture before deciding.
A carotid ultrasound provides your cardiologist with detailed information on the structure and circulation in your neck arteries. It can determine the site of the problem and the nature of the plaque or obstruction present.
The following are some of the problems that can be discovered by a carotid duplex:
It’s important to know what a carotid ultrasound does not do. It does not directly diagnose a stroke or most causes of fainting without focal neurologic signs. Your cardiologist interprets the results alongside your symptoms and exam.
Most patients need very little preparation for a carotid ultrasound. The test is quick and non-invasive so the guidelines are straightforward. Following a few simple steps helps the sonographer get the clearest images possible.
The carotid ultrasound procedure is generally comfortable and does not involve needles or radiation. Here is an explanation of what you will experience during carotid ultrasound test.
You will be placed in a private room where you will be lying comfortably on a padded table. Most of the patients remove their collars or pull off their shirts slightly so that the neck can be easily accessed.
The warm gel will be spread on your skin and it will feel cold at first but will soon warm up. The sonographer then places the probe on your neck and begins to move it along your arteries.
The screen lights up with live pictures of your carotid arteries. The technician may ask you to turn your head a little to the left or right or to stay very still for a few seconds. They are simply trying to get the cleanest views of the artery walls and any plaque that might be there.
This is the Doppler part. You might hear a rhythmic whooshing sound. Colors often appear on the screen too. It shows how fast and in which direction the blood is traveling. It is the part that tells us whether narrowing is actually affecting flow.
The whole thing usually wraps up in about half an hour. The gel gets wiped off and you are free to go. No recovery time and restrictions. Your cardiologist will look over the images and go over the findings with you once the report is ready.
You can drive or return to work once the scan is finished. These images are then evaluated by our cardiologist, Dr. Tanveer Ahmed, who assesses the arterial walls, plaques, if any, and also the blood flow measurements. Most of the patients receive their results within a couple of days from their follow-up visit or via a phone call.
Dr. Tanveer Ahmed will explain to you in detail your ultrasound findings. The goal is always clear information.
A carotid ultrasound is usually recommended because the information it provides can make a real difference in how we protect your brain health. Here are the main reasons the test is so useful:
If you have already been diagnosed with carotid narrowing or had a stent or surgery, regular ultrasounds are one of the simplest ways to check that everything remains stable.
If your doctor has recommended a carotid ultrasound or you’re simply ready to get a clearer picture of your stroke risk, we’re here to help. Fill out the online form and we will find a time that works for you.
No. You can eat and drink normally. Just skip putting lotion or cream on your neck that morning so the gel works properly.
It can’t predict the future with certainty. But it shows how much narrowing is present and how blood is flowing. That information helps us judge your risk more accurately.
None at all. It only uses sound waves. So it’s safe to repeat if we need to watch things over time.
Most plans cover carotid ultrasound when it is medically necessary. Our front desk can verify your benefits before the appointment if you’d like.
It varies. Some people need yearly checks. Others are followed less often. Your cardiologist will set the schedule based on your specific findings.
