What is the test?
A Carotid Doppler Ultrasound is a painless way to show the blood flow and the condition of your carotid arteries inside your neck. The carotid arteries are vessels in the neck that provide blood flow to the brain.
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create images of your arteries. These images allow your doctor to see whether or not there is narrowing of your carotid arteries (which is usually caused by cholesterol deposits). Narrowed carotid arteries are one cause of strokes. This test is often used to evaluate patients who have had a stroke or who might be at a high risk for strokes.
How do I prepare for the test?
No preparation is necessary.
What are the risks or side effects?
There are no risks. There are no side effects from the test.
What happens during the test?
How long is it before the result of the test is known?
A radiologist will review the recording and the measurements from the video picture. Your doctor should receive a report within a few weeks of the test.
Information about InfoNEURO
InfoNEURO patient guides are produced by the Neuro-Patient Resource Centre and Montreal Neurological Hospital staff. This information is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace the advice of a professional healthcare practitioner, or to substitute for medical care.
Contributors: MNH Neuroradiology Department, and Andrew Steinmetz (Medical Librarian).