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What does a Carotid Doppler do?
A carotid doppler is an ultrasound test that measures how much blood is flowing to the brain from the large carotid arteries. If you have suffered a stroke, your doctor will recommend this test.
What is a carotid ultrasound used for?
A carotid ultrasound examines the structure of the carotid arteries. A carotid ultrasound is used to test for blocked carotid arteries which could result in a stroke.
How do you test for carotid artery blockage?
To check your carotid arteries, your doctor will listen to them with a stethoscope. He or she will listen for a whooshing sound called a bruit. This sound may indicate changed or reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup. To find out more, your doctor may recommend tests.Diagnostic TestsThe following tests are common for diagnosing carotid artery disease. If you have symptoms of a mini-stroke or stroke, your doctor may use other tests as well. Carotid UltrasoundCarotid ultrasound (also called sonography) is the most common test for diagnosing carotid artery disease. It's a painless, harmless test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the insides of your carotid arteries. This test can show whether plaque has narrowed your carotid arteries and how narrow they are. A standard carotid ultrasound shows the structure of your carotid arteries. A Doppler carotid ultrasound shows how blood moves through your carotid arteries.Carotid AngiographyCarotid angiography (an-jee-OG-ra-fee) is a special type of x ray. This test may be used if the ultrasound results are unclear or don't give your doctor enough information. For this test, your doctor will inject a substance (called contrast dye) into a vein, most often in your leg. The dye travels to your carotid arteries and highlights them on x-ray pictures.Magnetic Resonance AngiographyMagnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses a large magnet and radio waves to take pictures of your carotid arteries. Your doctor can see these pictures on a computer screen. For this test, your doctor may give you contrast dye to highlight your carotid arteries on the pictures.Computed Tomography AngiographyComputed tomography (to-MOG-rah-fee) angiography, or CT angiography, takes x-raypictures of the body from many angles. A computer combines the pictures into two- and three-dimensional images. For this test, your doctor may give you contrast dye to highlight your carotid arteries on the pictures.
Which artery is felt when taking the pulse rate at the neck?
The Carotid pulse is found in the neck. The Radial pulse is found in the wrist.
Through what cranial structure does the carotid artery pass as it enters the brain?
the carotid artery passes through the carotid canal to the brain
What is the artery in the heart taking blood to the neck called?
the juggular vain
What is the opening for the carotid artery?
carotid foramen
What artery is associated with the carotid sinus?
carotid
What do the anterior and middle cerebral arteries arise from?
the carotid arteries
What ultra sound study of the carotid artery to predict or diagnose an ischemic stroke?
Carotid Ultrasonography
Carotid duplex?
DefinitionCarotid duplex is a procedure that uses ultrasound to look for blood clots, plaque buildup, and other blood flow problems in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are located in the neck. They supply blood to the brain.Alternative NamesScan - carotid duplex; Carotid ultrasoundHow the test is performedThe test is done in a vascular lab or radiology department of a hospital. You will be asked to lay on your back. Your head will be supported to prevent it from moving.The health care provider applies a water-soluble gel on your skin and gently runs a handheld device called a transducer over the area of the carotid arteries in your neck. The devices sends high-frequency sound waves to the arteries in your neck. The gel helps transmit the sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the blood vessels and form images of their structure.How to prepare for the testNo preparation is necessary.How the test will feelThe test is noninvasive and painless.Why the test is performedThe test checks blood flow in the carotid arteries. It can detect:Blood clotting (thrombosis)Narrowing in the arteries (stenosis)Other causes of blockage in the carotid arteriesYour doctor may order this test if you have had a:StrokeTransient ischemic attack (TIA)You may also have this test:If your doctor hears an abnormal sound called a bruit over the carotid neck arteriesAs a follow-up test after a previous carotid duplex testNormal ValuesA normal result means there is no problem with the blood flow in the carotid arteries. The artery is free of any blockage, narrowing, or other problem.Note: Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanAn abnormal result means there are disturbances in the blood flow in the carotid arteries. This is a sign of atherosclerosis or blood vessel conditions.Depending on the exact results, your doctor may want you to:Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent atherosclerosisRepeat the test again in the futureHave additional tests (such as cerebral angiography, CT angiography, and MR angiography)Consider surgerySee the article on atherosclerosis for further treatment information.What the risks areThere are no specific risks related to having this procedure.ReferencesU.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for carotid artery stenosis: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(12):854-859.Meschia JF, Brott TG, Hobson RW 2nd. Diagnosis and invasive management of carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82(7):851-858.
Major artery serving the tissues external to the skull?
The external carotid artery.
