Duplex Carotid Doppler Exam
Listed below is information about how to prepare and what do expect for your test.Things To Know
| Test Location: |
Clinton Woods - Brighton Geneseo Office Dansville Office |
| What To Bring: | - There is no special preparation for this test. - You may eat and drink as usual. - Please arrive 10 minutes early to register. - You can take medication as usual. |
| Questions: | If you are scheduled for a Carotid Doppler exam in our office and are unable to keep this appointment or have any questions regarding your appointment, please contact our office at 585-442-5320. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carotid Stenosis?
Stenosis is the narrowing of a blood vessel which is caused by plaque formation in the blood vessels. Small plaques are common in adults over the age of 50. 80% of men between the 80-100 years of age have carotid plaque formation.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is an acute neurological injury in which the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted. That is, a stroke involves the sudden loss of neuronal function due to disturbance in cerebral perfusion. This disturbance in perfusion is commonly arterial, but can be venous. There are about 700,000 cases of strokes reported in the United States a year. TIA is complete resolution of focal cerebral ischemic symptoms within 24 hours.
What are the causes of stroke?
There are several causes of stroke including:
- Large vessel athero-thrombotic stroke
- Cardio-embolic stroke (from heart)
- Lacunar (small vessel) stroke
- Dissection, paradoxical embolism, etc.
- Some causes are unknown
How does a carotid artery increase the risk of getting a stroke?
Up to 90% of ischemic strokes originate from the carotid arteries.
Blood clots form on plaque surface and break off.
Large plaques hemorrhage, clot, and the clot travels to brain.
Plaque contents break off and go to brain.
This may occur secondary to reduced blood flow to brain caused by a narrow artery.
What can a Duplex Carotid Doppler exam show?
This test shows the anatomy of vessels, presence and location of plaque, blood flow in vessels, narrowing or blockage of vessel and the degree of blockage.
What if there is a narrowing of the vessel?
Your doctor will go over the test results with you. In many cases when there is a narrowing, it is not severe enough to warrant surgery. When a narrowing is severe, surgery can be performed to remove the blockage. Stents can also be used in some cases.
I had this test done previously by a mobile company. Why do I need another one?
Many mobile services only perform a screening test. These services only report the presence of absence of disease, not the severity or extent of a blockage.
What can I expect during this exam?
The test is painless. Your sonographer will ask questions regarding your medical and surgical history. He or she will take your blood pressure in each arm and you will then be asked to lie done on the exam table with your head titled back. The test, however, can also be performed with you sitting up if necessary.
A transducer (ultrasound probe) is moved up and down each side of the neck and under the jaw to visualize each vessel. You will hear different sounds and see color images, each representing blood flow.
How long will this test take?
Please allow one full hour for the test. Scan time can vary anywhere between 15 and 45 minutes.
Who interprets the test?
A vasuclar surgeon interprets the exam.
How long does it take to get test results?
A report will be issued within 4 business days and a copy of your test results will be sent to your physician.
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