Evaluation

Carotid Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging allows physicians to assess the heart and blood vessels in real time

Early detection saves lives - Let’s protect yours.

A Simple Neck Scan Can Save You From a Stroke

Imagine this: a patient comes in feeling fine—perhaps just a bit of dizziness now and then—but they have high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of stroke. Often, beneath the surface lies a silent threat—narrowing in the carotid arteries, the vessels that carry blood to your brain.

Fortunately, one of the simplest and most effective tools to detect this risk is the carotid ultrasound—a painless, non-invasive scan that could quite literally save your life.

What Is a Carotid Ultrasound?

A carotid ultrasound, also called a carotid Doppler or carotid duplex scan, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the carotid arteries on each side of your neck. These arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your brain.

This test allows us to spot narrowing (stenosis), plaque buildup, or abnormal blood flow—all of which can increase your risk for stroke. It’s a cornerstone in preventive cardiovascular care, particularly if you're at risk but not yet showing symptoms.

Why Might You Need a Carotid Ultrasound?

You might not feel anything wrong—but your arteries might tell a different story. Here’s when we usually recommend this test:

• You’ve had symptoms of a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke)—like sudden weakness, slurred speech, or vision changes.
• You have cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes.
• You’re over 65, or you have a family history of stroke.
• You’ve had carotid artery surgery or stenting and need regular follow-up imaging.
• You’re preparing for cardiac surgery and need a stroke risk evaluation.

How Does the Test Work?

A carotid ultrasound uses two key modes:

• B-mode (brightness mode): Gives us a grayscale image of your artery’s structure—revealing any plaque buildup or irregular walls.
• Doppler ultrasound: Measures how fast and how well your blood flows through the arteries, helping detect blockages or turbulence.

What Happens During the Test?

The whole process is quick—about 15 to 30 minutes—and completely painless. Here’s what to expect:

• No prep needed. You can eat and drink normally.
• You lie back on an exam table with your head slightly turned.
• A clear gel is applied to your neck to help the ultrasound waves pass smoothly.
• A technician gently moves a handheld probe (called a transducer) over your neck.
• Live images appear on the screen, showing us your artery walls and the blood flowing inside.
• You’re done! The gel is wiped off, and you can go about your day.

What Do the Results Tell Us?

When I review your scan, I’m looking for:

• Healthy arteries with smooth walls and steady blood flow.
• Early plaque formation—even mild buildup is a signal to take action.
• Moderate to severe narrowing (50%–99%) that may require treatment.
• Abnormal flow patterns suggesting turbulent or reduced blood flow.
• Depending on what we find, we may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or further testing.

Why Is Carotid Ultrasound So Valuable?

• ✅ Non-invasive – No needles, dyes, or radiation involved.
• ✅ Painless – Most people find it more comfortable than a blood test.
• ✅ Fast & Convenient – Done in under 30 minutes, right in the clinic.
• ✅ Highly Accurate – Allows early detection of risks before symptoms arise.
• ✅ Affordable – Less costly than CT or MRI scans.

What If the Test Shows a Problem?

If we detect significant blockage or high stroke risk, we may take additional steps:

• CT or MR Angiography for more detailed imaging.
• Carotid Endarterectomy, a surgery to remove dangerous plaque.
• Carotid Artery Stenting, a minimally invasive option to open up the vessel.