Patient education: Carotid ultrasound (The Basics)

What is a carotid ultrasound? — A carotid ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It uses sound waves to create a picture of the "carotid arteries" and show how blood flows through them. The carotid arteries are the 2 main blood vessels that bring blood to the brain. They are located on the sides of your neck.

Why might I get a carotid ultrasound? — The main reason is to check for signs of carotid artery disease (figure 1). This usually happens when fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the carotid arteries. When plaque forms, the arteries to become narrowed or blocked. Carotid artery disease increases your chance of having a stroke. It also increases your risk of a problem called a "transient ischemic attack," or "TIA."

Your doctor might want to do a carotid ultrasound if:

●You have already had a stroke or TIA.

●You have other health problems that increase your risk of stroke, such as:

•High blood pressure

•Diabetes

•High cholesterol

•Coronary artery disease

•Smoking

•Carotid "bruit" – This is a whooshing sound caused by abnormal blood flow. A doctor can hear it through a stethoscope placed on the neck.

•Atherosclerosis – This is when the arteries thicken and harden due to plaque buildup.

•Having a family member who had a stroke or TIA

•Past head or neck cancer treated with radiation

How do I prepare for a carotid ultrasound? — The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do anything special to prepare.

Before your test, your doctor will do an exam. They might send you to get tests, such as lab tests.

You will also get information about what to wear. It's best to wear a shirt with no collar or an open collar. You should also remove necklaces or long earrings that hang down.

What happens during a carotid ultrasound? — When it is time for the test:

●You will lie down on a bed.

●The person doing the ultrasound will use a probe called a "transducer" to create the picture. It looks like a wide wand. They will put gel on the transducer to help make the picture clearer. Then, they will move the wand around on your skin.

●You might be asked to change positions or to hold your breath for a few seconds. This is to help get a clearer picture.

When the test is over, the gel will be wiped off your skin and you can go home.

What happens after a carotid ultrasound? — After your ultrasound, the images from the test will be sent to your doctor or nurse. They will look at them and tell you what the results mean. If there is a problem or if you need treatment, they will discuss your options with you.

What are the risks of a carotid ultrasound? — A carotid ultrasound does not usually have any risks to your health. This test does not expose you to radiation like an X-ray or CT scan.

More on this topic

Patient education: Carotid artery disease (The Basics)
Patient education: Stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Intracerebral hemorrhage (The Basics)
Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (The Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure in children (The Basics)
Patient education: High cholesterol (The Basics)
Patient education: Coronary artery disease (The Basics)
Patient education: Atherosclerosis (The Basics)

Patient education: Stroke symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Hemorrhagic stroke treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Ischemic stroke treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High cholesterol and lipids (Beyond the Basics)