NeuroCare Center is an IAC Vascular accredited testing facility
Carotid (ka-ROT-id) ultrasound is a painless and harmless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the insides of your carotid arteries. The ultrasound can show internal motion such as blood flowing through veins and arteries. It can diagnose carotid artery stenosis, a condition where narrowing of the carotid arteries that may partially or completely block blood flow from the heart to the neck and head.
You have two common carotid arteries, one on each side of your neck. They each divide into internal and external carotid arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain. The external carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your face, scalp, and neck. Carotid ultrasound shows whether a waxy substance called plaque (plak) has built up in your carotid arteries. The buildup of plaque in the carotid arteries is called carotid artery disease.
You have two common carotid arteries, one on each side of your neck. They each divide into internal and external carotid arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain. The external carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your face, scalp, and neck. Carotid ultrasound shows whether a waxy substance called plaque (plak) has built up in your carotid arteries. The buildup of plaque in the carotid arteries is called carotid artery disease.
|
|
credit: strokeprevent.org http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cu
How do I prepare for the test?
- NO caffeine or cigarettes ONE hour prior to testing.
- Take your usual medications.
- Eat your normal meals
The test should take 30 to 60 minutes. The process is simple and painless. A gel will be applied to the side of your neck being viewed. A wand will be moved in a circular motion and images transposed on the screen.