This test is available at both our Berkley
Main office and Troy office. If you prefer this test be done at a certain
location, please inform the scheduler of this when you call to make the
appointment.
Carotid Ultrasound
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A
CAROTID ULTRASOUND? Atherosclerosis, hardening of the
arteries, is the gradual narrowing of arteries throughout the body. This is
caused by the accumulation of fat and other materials along the lining of
the arterial walls. This is a natural part of aging. Plaque formation can
cause narrowing and possible blockages of these arteries - disrupting blood
flow.
The
carotid artery system supplies your brain with blood. Excessive narrowing
or blockages may lead to TIA’s or strokes. A TIA is a mini stroke due to a
brief reduction in blood flow where symptoms last only a few minutes.
Symptoms may be speech difficulty, weakness, dizziness, numbness or blurry
vision. Stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of blood due to blockage
of the carotid artery or one if its branches. Your doctor can sometimes
hear abnormal sound with his stethoscope placed on your neck. This is
called carotid bruit and can alert the doctor to a possible narrowing.
WHO ADMINISTERS THE CAROTID ULTRASOUND TEST?
An ultrasound technologist administers the test.
HOW LONG WILL THE TEST TAKE?
The total amount of time this test will take is approximately one hour.
HOW DOES A CAROTID
ULTRASOUND WORK? Ultrasound is sound waves used to
produce images of structures within the body. This test is done to assess
your carotid artery system for narrowing of the arteries and possible
blockages. There are four arteries on each side of your neck that are
checked: the common carotid artery, the internal artery, and external artery
and the vertebral artery.
You are asked to lie on your back and relax. An instrument called a
transducer is placed on your neck and moved up and down your neck to
visualize each of the arteries. An ultrasound is not painful.
SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THIS EXAM? Please take all medication as
directed; otherwise, no additional preparation is necessary.
