Carotid and vertebral artery Doppler ultrasound at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock

Doppler ultrasound of the carotid and vertebral arteries assesses the vessels that carry blood to the brain. During the examination the doctor checks whether they are patent, what their walls look like and how blood flows through them. The scan can detect atherosclerotic plaques and show whether they are narrowing the artery.

The examination is available at OpenMed in Warsaw and at OpenMed in Płock. It does not require a referral or any special preparation, it is painless and it does not use X-rays. You receive the result after the examination.

When should you have a carotid artery Doppler ultrasound?

Doppler ultrasound is performed mainly when atherosclerotic changes are suspected or when a previously diagnosed narrowing needs to be monitored. It can also be part of the work-up after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or a stroke.

A doctor may recommend Doppler ultrasound in cases such as:

diagnosed atherosclerosis or narrowing of the carotid arteries,
a previous TIA or ischaemic stroke,
a vascular murmur heard during a medical examination,
atherosclerosis of arteries in other parts of the body,
the presence of factors that increase the risk of atherosclerosis, such as hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders or smoking,
the need to monitor changes found on an earlier ultrasound.

Having risk factors does not mean, however, that everyone should have a preventive carotid artery ultrasound. Whether the examination is needed is best decided with a doctor, based on age, existing conditions and overall cardiovascular risk.

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, a drooping corner of the mouth, trouble speaking or sudden loss of vision in one eye require urgent medical help. In such a situation do not wait for a scheduled ultrasound appointment.

Dr. Marcin Ignaczak, MD, PhD

What does the doctor check during the examination?

The examination covers the carotid and vertebral arteries. The doctor views the vessels on the ultrasound image and then uses the Doppler function to assess the blood flowing through them.

This makes it possible to check whether there are atherosclerotic plaques in the artery wall, where they are located and whether they are narrowing the lumen of the vessel. Flow velocity measurements are also taken. Based on these, together with the image of the vessel and other parameters, the doctor assesses how significant any narrowing is.

In the vertebral arteries the doctor also checks the direction of blood flow, among other things. This matters in the diagnosis of certain circulatory disorders in the vessels supplying the brain.

What does a carotid and vertebral artery Doppler ultrasound look like?

The examination is performed lying down. The doctor applies a small amount of gel to the neck and moves the ultrasound probe along the course of the vessels. During the scan the doctor takes measurements and compares the flow in individual segments of the arteries.

The ultrasound does not involve a needle, contrast agent or anaesthesia. Once it is finished you can go straight back to your daily activities.

How to prepare for a Doppler ultrasound?

You do not need to fast. You can eat and drink as usual and take your regular medication, unless your doctor has advised otherwise. It is most convenient to wear clothing that makes it easy to expose the neck. Necklaces and other jewellery in this area need to be removed before the examination.

If you have had a carotid artery ultrasound before, bring the previous report and images. Comparing the results helps assess whether the atherosclerotic changes remain stable.

What does it mean if a carotid artery narrowing is found?

Finding an atherosclerotic plaque does not by itself mean that surgery is needed. What matters is the degree of narrowing, the nature of the changes, the presence of neurological symptoms and other stroke risk factors.

For changes that do not require a procedure, the basis of management is reducing cardiovascular risk. The doctor may recommend treating lipid disorders, hypertension or diabetes, stopping smoking and appropriately selected medication. Some patients need periodic follow-up examinations.

If the narrowing is significant, the ultrasound result may be the basis for further diagnostics and a vascular consultation. In selected cases, a procedure is considered. However, qualification is not decided by the percentage of narrowing written in the result alone.

Carotid and vertebral artery Doppler ultrasound - FAQ

: Yes. The examination can show atherosclerotic plaques, determine their location and check whether they are causing narrowing of the artery and disturbed blood flow.
: No. Ultrasound of the carotid and vertebral arteries does not require fasting. Before the appointment you can eat and drink as usual and take your prescribed medication.
: No. The examination is non-invasive. The doctor moves the ultrasound probe over gel-covered skin on the neck. There is no need for a needle or a contrast agent.
: No. Management depends on the degree and nature of the narrowing, symptoms and individual stroke risk. Many patients are treated conservatively with periodic follow-up, while a procedure is reserved for appropriately qualified patients.
: There is no single schedule for all patients. The timing of the next examination is decided based on the previous result, the degree of narrowing, how quickly changes are progressing and the clinical situation.