Colour Doppler of carotid arteries – briefly
| What is being examined | Carotid arteries – the blood vessels of the neck that supply the brain |
|---|---|
| What does the examination reveal | Narrowings, blockages and enlargements of the blood vessels of the neck |
| Method | Colour Doppler ultrasound examination, painless |
| Who is it recommended for | For people over 55 and those with risk factors: smoking, high blood lipids, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity |
What is a carotid colour Doppler?
A stroke most often does not happen “suddenly”. In a large number of cases, the problem develops over years – silently, without clear warnings. That is why timely diagnostics are key, especially when we know that the blood vessels of the neck are among the most important pathways supplying the brain with oxygen. One simple, painless and reliable way to check their condition is ultrasound scan carotid arteries. It is precisely this that enables us to detect in time changes that may pose a risk and to react before serious consequences occur. The carotids – the arteries that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain – are easily accessible for diagnosis and treatment. A colour Doppler examination of the carotids is an ultrasound scan of the neck arteries. This examination can reveal: blockages, narrowing and widening of the blood vessels of the neck, which can be the cause of a stroke. Unfortunately, in a large number of cases there are no clear symptoms heralding a stroke. Carotid blockage is in a large number of cases the main cause of a stroke, and therefore preventive examinations are of utmost importance. The examination is recommended for all persons over the age of 55, and particularly for the population with risk factors.
You can view the prices of ultrasound and Doppler scans in pricelist for rheumatology, physical therapy and ultrasound.
Carotid colour Doppler scan
What are the risk factors for carotid artery blockage?
- Inherited vascular diseases
- Smoking
- High blood fat levels
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity, insufficient physical activity
What are the symptoms that indicate the need for a carotid colour Doppler ultrasound?
Fewer people experience the characteristic symptoms, and they serve as an alarm that one should consult a doctor:
- Temporary, short-term functional impairments (paralysis of one half of the body)
- Weakness and tingling of the hands and feet
- Facial numbness
- Sudden visual disturbance
- Brief loss of speech
- Crisis of consciousness, dizziness
- Concentration issues
Follow-up ultrasound scans are essential for the specified risk groups, even if the person does not experience any symptoms.
