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Carotid ultrasound
A SCAN OF THE ARTERIES IN THE NECK THAT CARRY BLOOD TO THE BRAIN
A procedure that uses sound waves to examine the blood flow through your carotid arteries
What does a carotid ultrasound show?
You have two carotid arteries located on either side of your neck. They deliver blood from your heart to your brain.
A carotid ultrasound tests for narrowed carotid arteries, which can increase the risk of stroke.
The results can help your consultant determine a treatment to lower your stroke risk.
Need to know
A sonographer will conduct the test using a small, hand-held device (transducer). This device emits sound waves and records the echo as the waves bounce off tissues, organs and blood cells.
A computer translates the sound waves into an image on a monitor in real-time. Your sonographer may use a Doppler ultrasound, which shows blood flowing through the arteries. A carotid ultrasound usually takes about 30 minutes.
A computer translates the sound waves into an image on a monitor in real-time. Your sonographer may use a Doppler ultrasound, which shows blood flowing through the arteries. A carotid ultrasound usually takes about 30 minutes.
No special preparation is required for this procedure. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewellery at home. A comfortable shirt with no collar is ideal.
You will be able to leave immediately following your scan. Your consultant will review the results of your scan and if the tests reveal that you are at risk of a stroke then your consultant will talk you through your treatment options.
Our Carotid ultrasound locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Private Care at Guy's
Great Maze Pond SE1 9RT London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London