Cerebrovascular Examination (Carotid Doppler Examination)

This test provides information about plaque that can build up inside the arteries of your neck.

By placing a special probe (a microphone-like device) on your neck, the vascular technologist examines the amount of blockage being caused by plaque, and if the plaque is hard or soft, smooth or rough.

Using this information, your medical caregiver can make specific recommendation about any further testing or procedures that may follow the examination.

At the beginning of the exam you will be asked to lie down on a table and expose your neck. The technician will then place a water based gel on the areas that he/she will need to examine. At various times during the exam you may hear a noise that sounds like your heart beat. This is actually the blood moving through the artery being examined at that point in your test. Each side of your neck will be examined. The arteries in your eyes and in the back of your neck may also be examined based on your symptoms.

The time the exam takes is different for each person, but you can expect about 45 minutes for the exam.

There are several reasons why your medical care giver may request this examination. The following are examples of these reasons:

• Plaque already diagnosed within your arteries
• Bruit    (Hearing a sound in your neck with a stethoscope)
• Numbness or Tingling on either side of your body
• Stroke
• Mini-Stroke
• Dizziness
• Visual Disturbance
• Difficulty Walking
• Passing Out
• Speech Problems
• Accident
• Pre-Operative exam for Heart Bypass Surgery

To see the arteries the technician will be examining go to Cerebrovascular Vascular Examination.

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