Cervical Vascular Doppler Ultrasound

What is cervical vascular Doppler ultrasound?

Cervical Doppler vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive method used to assess blood flow in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain. At CorePrime, we use high-resolution Doppler ultrasound to detect possible blockages or narrowing of the carotid arteries, ensuring an accurate and quick diagnosis.

Cervical Doppler ultrasound is essential for early diagnosis of vascular conditions that can lead to stroke. It allows doctors to assess blood flow and identify any narrowing or atheroma plaques in the carotid arteries. With early diagnosis, serious complications can be prevented, and appropriate treatment measures can be taken.

Cervical Doppler ultrasound offers many advantages:

• Allows early detection of vascular problems.
• The procedure is painless and involves no radiation.
• Images are immediately available, facilitating rapid diagnosis.
• It is safe for all categories of patients.

Carotid Doppler: Procedure

Preparing for the Doppler ultrasound is simple and requires no special measures. Patients are advised to wear comfortable clothes and remove their neck jewelry. Next, the patient will be positioned comfortably on an examination bed and the specialist will apply a gel to facilitate the transmission of sound waves. A transducer will be gently moved over the skin surface to capture detailed images of the carotid arteries.

The images captured will be analyzed by the specialist to assess blood flow and identify any abnormalities. The results are available immediately and the doctor will discuss with the patient any problems identified and treatment options available.

FAQs - Cervical Doppler

What differentiates cervical Doppler ultrasound from other types of vascular ultrasound?

Cervical Doppler ultrasound focuses on the carotid arteries in the neck, assessing blood flow and detecting narrowing or blockages. Other vascular ultrasounds can assess blood flow to other parts of the body, such as the lower limbs or deep veins.

What symptoms indicate the need for a cervical Doppler ultrasound?

Symptoms that may indicate the need for a cervical Doppler ultrasound include dizziness, weakness, loss of balance, slurred speech, blurred vision, severe headaches and a family history of cardiovascular disease.

How to interpret blood flow in cervical Doppler ultrasound?

Blood flow in cervical Doppler ultrasound is interpreted by analyzing sound waves reflected by moving blood cells. These sound waves are transformed into images and sounds that indicate the speed and direction of blood flow. Deviations from normal flow can indicate vascular problems.

What does it mean if cervical Doppler ultrasound shows narrowing of the carotid arteries?

Narrowing of the carotid arteries, also known as stenosis, can indicate the presence of atherosclerotic plaques that reduce blood flow to the brain. This can increase the risk of stroke and may require treatment.

What types of treatments are recommended following an abnormal cervical Doppler ultrasound?

Treatments for abnormal cervical Doppler ultrasound findings may include medication to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and surgical procedures such as carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty.

How frequently should carotid arteries be monitored for people with a history of cardiovascular disease?

People with a history of cardiovascular disease should have their carotid arteries monitored annually or as recommended by their doctor. The frequency of monitoring may vary depending on the severity of the conditions and individual risk factors.

Is cervical Doppler ultrasound recommended for preventive screening?

Yes, cervical Doppler ultrasound is recommended for preventive screening in people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and a family history of stroke.