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CAROTID DOPPLER STUDIES

Definition: 

Carotid Doppler (CD) studies involve the evaluation of the large blood vessels of the neck by ultrasound.

What’s it used for? 

CD is almost always used to evaluate the flow of blood in the neck vessels and to look for possible narrowing (stenosis) which would predispose to stroke. Both the larger carotid arteries and the smaller vertebral arteries can be tested, but it works best for the larger vessels.

Preparation 

No preparation is needed

Are there side effects? 

The test uses a similar type of technique used to observe babies in the womb. It is painless and there are no side effects. A gel is applied to the neck and an ultrasound probe is placed over the artery allowing measurement of flow within it.

Where is it done? 

In BC most CD studies are done in the x-ray or ultrasound departments of hospitals. Not every ultrasound department is capable of CD studies, as different types of probes and different training is required for the various types of ultrasound imaging.

R. O'Brien MD