DOPPLER - CAROTID & VERTEBRAL ULTRASOUND SCAN

A quick, painless neck scan could save your life. The DOPPLER - CAROTID & VERTEBRAL ULTRASOUND SCAN uses sound waves to map blood flow in the arteries that feed your brain, spotting narrowings or blockages before they trigger a stroke. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we combine high-resolution imaging technology with compassionate care, giving you and your doctor the clarity to act early—and confidently.

What Is a Doppler Carotid & Vertebral Ultrasound Scan?

Definition and Technology Behind Doppler Ultrasound

A Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that bounces high-frequency sound waves off red-blood cells to create real-time pictures of blood movement. When the scan focuses on the carotid and vertebral arteries in your neck, it reveals:

• Speed and direction of blood flow
• Artery wall thickness
• Presence, size, and texture of plaque

Difference Between Standard Ultrasound and Doppler Imaging

Types of Doppler Carotid & Vertebral Ultrasound

• Color Doppler – overlays color maps on arteries to show speed and direction.
• Power Doppler – more sensitive for detecting low-flow states and small vessels.
• Spectral Doppler – produces a waveform graph to measure exact velocities.

• Screening for stroke risk before symptoms appear.
• Follow-up after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke.
• Pre-operative check before heart or major vascular surgery.
• Monitoring known carotid disease progression.

Common Symptoms Prompting Referral

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Brief vision loss or double vision
• Slurred speech or difficulty finding words
• Dizziness or unsteadiness with no clear cause

High-Risk Groups

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Smokers (current or recent)
• Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
• Adults over 50 with any cardiovascular risk factor
• Family history of stroke or heart disease

Benefits of the Doppler Carotid & Vertebral Ultrasound

• Early detection of blockages or narrowing—often years before symptoms.
• Prevents stroke through timely lifestyle changes or procedures.
• Zero downtime—return to work or home immediately.
• Affordable and widely covered by insurance plans.

Illnesses Diagnosed

• Carotid artery stenosis
• Vertebral artery insufficiency
• Atherosclerotic plaque (soft, mixed, or calcified)
• Arterial dissection (tear in artery wall)
• Subclavian steal syndrome

• Clothing: Wear a loose collar or button-up shirt that opens easily at the neck.
• Fasting: Not required—enjoy your breakfast.
• Medications: Continue all prescribed drugs unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Jewelry: Remove necklaces and heavy earrings.

Pre-Requisites

• A doctor’s prescription or referral (walk-ins accepted for follow-up scans).
• Valid ID and any previous scan reports for comparison.

Best Time to Book

• Morning slots are ideal for elderly or diabetic patients.
• Within 48 hours of a TIA or stroke-like symptoms for urgent evaluation.

Eligibility

• Adults 30+ with any cardiovascular risk factor.
• Pediatric cases only under specialist referral (rare).

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Check-in at reception—total visit time ~30 minutes.
2. Positioning: Lie on an exam bed with your neck gently extended.
3. Gel Application: Warm gel is spread along both sides of your neck.
4. Transducer Movement: The sonographer glides a handheld probe, capturing images and sounds.
5. Completion: Wipe off gel, review preliminary images with you, and schedule a follow-up if needed.

Caution Before Taking the Test

• Avoid wearing neck jewelry—it interferes with probe contact.
• Inform the sonographer about prior neck surgery, radiation, or stents.