US DOPPLER - CAROTID & VERTEBRAL

A Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound scan is a non-surgical picture exam that assesses blood flow in the carotid and vertebral arteries of the neck through the use of sound waves. The arteries deliver the oxygen-rich blood to the brain, and any form of narrowing or blockage could lead to dire health problems, like stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The test assists in both the diagnosis and the follow up care for the conditions of carotid and vertebral artery disease and stroke. 

Preparation 

As for the examination itself, it is recommended that patients report to the location in loose-fitting clothes that expose the neck area easily. No eating or medication avoidance is required, but there is a need to tell the healthcare professional about any blood flow-related medication that may need to be advanced. 

What is Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound?  

A physician may recommend a carotid and vertebral doppler ultrasound to examine the arteries and find the site of the blood vessel blockage. Usually, blood circulation is checked using a Doppler ultrasound which works similarly to an ordinary ultrasound machine. Doppler ultrasound measures blood circulation by analysing wave frequency. This test is performed by a trained technologist who applies the transducer, also referred to as the head, to the area above the carotid and vertebral arteries. It sends and receives ultrasound waves with a frequency that is greater than the range of human hearing. These supersonic sound waves reflect from the moving red blood cells in the blood stream and are detected by the transducer. The detected signals are processed to create the image of the moving blood cells.  

Types of Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound 

This test can be categorised into two broad types: 

• Standard Carotid Doppler Ultrasound: This ultrasound assesses the blood flow in the carotid arteries. 
• Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound: This ultrasound assesses the blood flow in the vertebral arteries. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound

During the procedure, the ultrasound technologist will keep in mind the following: 

• Blood flow rate 
• Width of the vessel 
• Stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion (blockage) vessel 
• Blood flow direction 

Reasons for Taking a Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound

This examination is most often ordered for: 

• Determining carotid or vertebral artery disease 
• Estimation of stroke or TIA probability 
• Assess disease progression in patients with established cardiovascular disease 
• Post-operative or post-angioplasty follow up of patients 

When and Who Needs to Take a Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound? 

Everybody is encouraged to undergo regular preventative tests for early diagnosis of vascular diseases. The symptoms most frequently occurring that necessitate undergoing a carotid and vertebral doppler ultrasound may entail:  

• Sudden onset of weakness or numbness around the face, arm, or leg. 
• Slurred speech or difficulty when talking and eating 
• Fainting spells or problems with maintaining balance 
• Painful headaches with sharp intensity. 
• TIA, brief episodes suggestive for a cerebrovascular accident or stroke. 

Moreover, persons with documented cardiovascular illness, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and those who smoke should also consider undergoing this ultrasound as a preventative measure. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

The benefit of this test includes: 

• No prior preparation is required, and it is pain-free 
• Can be done in few minutes without difficulty. 
• Important opportunity to assess the blood flow in the carotid and vertebral arteries. 
• Assist in the diagnosis and follow-up of the possible conditions which could cause a stroke or TIA. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound

The most frequent disorders that can be evaluated by this test are: 

• Carotid arteries disease 
• Vertebral artery disease 
• Stroke 
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) 
• Vasculitis 

What Patients Should Do Before Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound

• Put-on loose-fitting clothes that allow easy access to the neck.  
• Take off necklaces and any pieces of jewellery that can be snagged easily and tight collars.  
• Smoking and caffeine consumption must be avoided at least an hour before the test. 

Pre-requisites  

Unlike other medical tests, there are no prerequisites, but it is important to note any medications you currently take.  

Best Time to Take the Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound  

This test can be done at any given time but can be scheduled for the morning after good rest.  

Eligibility  

The test is recommended for patients with an increased risk of heart disease, those who’ve had stokes or TIAs before, or those reporting issues with the carotid or vertebrae arteries.  

Procedure for Taking a Carotid and Vertebral Doppler Ultrasound  

Most procedures require around thirty to sixty minutes to complete. It includes a number of basic steps.  

1. The patient lies on an examination table with their neck slightly tilted to the side.  
2. The technologist applies a small amount of gel to the skin over the carotid and vertebral arteries.  
3. The technologist places the sensor over the arteries and the sensor sends soundwaves through the tissue. 
4. The sound waves are reflected from the blood cells and picked up by the transducer, which makes them sound. The transducer converts the sounds into images.  
5. The medical imaging technologist captures multiple images and calculates the speed of blood flow. 

Caution before to The Test 

Patients must tell their doctor about any prescription drugs they may be taking, particularly if they have an effect on blood flow. In addition, patients should not smoke or consume caffeine for one hour prior to the test.