Carotid and Vertebral Artery Color Doppler Ultrasound

What is carotid artery and vertebral artery color Doppler ultrasound?

Carotid artery and vertebral artery color Doppler ultrasound is a painless, radiation-free imaging test that examines the structure and blood flow velocity of the main vessels carrying blood from the neck region to the brain.

What are the carotid artery and the vertebral artery, and where are they in our body?

An 'artery' means a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body. The carotid artery and the vertebral artery are the main arteries that carry blood to the brain. The carotid arteries also carry blood to the face and neck region.

Both are located in the neck region. The carotid arteries are at the front and the vertebral arteries at the back of the neck, on either side of the spine. There are two carotid and two vertebral arteries, one on the right and one on the left side of the neck.

Why is carotid artery and vertebral artery color Doppler ultrasound performed?

It plays an important role in the early diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up of vascular diseases. This examination is performed to detect vessel occlusion, plaque (calcification) build-up and the risk of stroke early. In patients who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), the condition of the main arteries in the neck can be evaluated.

Blood flow problems in the vertebral arteries can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance and fainting. This examination can be performed to investigate the causes of such symptoms.

In addition, this examination is also used to detect balloon-like enlargements in the vessel wall (aneurysms) and other structural abnormalities.

Is there radiation in carotid artery and vertebral artery color Doppler ultrasound?

Ultrasound examinations use high-frequency sound waves. Doppler ultrasound also uses sound waves. Therefore there is no radiation in this examination.

Can this examination be performed at any age?

It can be safely performed on patients of any age.

Is any preparation required for this examination?

No prior preparation is required for a carotid artery and vertebral artery Doppler ultrasound examination.

How is carotid artery and vertebral artery color Doppler ultrasound performed?

The patient is prepared so that the neck region is exposed. They are laid on their back on the couch. The head is positioned slightly backwards. When necessary, the head may also be positioned slightly to the left and back or slightly to the right and back.

How many minutes does carotid artery and vertebral artery color Doppler ultrasound take?

The examination time varies according to the structure of the vessels and the number of plaques. The examination takes about 15–30 minutes on average. Factors such as a large number of plaques, the patient's neck structure not being suitable for ultrasound imaging, and the patient's cooperation may prolong the time.

Is carotid artery and vertebral artery color Doppler ultrasound a painful examination?

No, this examination is generally not painful.

Does this examination have any side effect or harm?

As ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound are imaging methods that use sound waves and there is no radiation, there are no side effects or harm.

Can I continue my daily life after having this examination?

Immediately after the carotid artery and vertebral artery Doppler ultrasound examination, patients can continue with their work and daily activities.