What is Carotid Imaging?

Carotid Imaging (also commonly called a Carotid Study or Carotid Doppler) uses ultrasound (sound which can not be heard) to take pictures of the Carotid Arteries: the blood vessels in the neck which carry blood to the head including the brain. Blockages in the Carotid Arteries due to a build-up of arteriosclerotic plaque are commonly the cause of strokes. Carotid Imaging is a highly accurate means of detecting and assessing these blockages.

What if it hurts to lie in certain positions?

If you have difficulty with certain positions (for example if you have a bad back or hip), please just ask the technologist if anything can be done to help you be more comfortable. Frequently simple changes in position or a well-placed pillow is all it takes to help keep patients comfortable during their test.

What To Expect.

For your test you may be asked to remove some of your garments (such as high-necked sweaters) and any jewelry that might interfere with access to your neck. (Ladies (and gentlemen, upon request) will be given a gown with which to cover-up.) You will be asked to lie flat on your back for the exam. Ultrasound pictures are recorded by holding a microphone-like device (transducer) against your skin. The sounds of blood flow (known as Doppler) will likely be heard while pictures are recorded.

What will the test tell my doctor?

Some reasons your doctor may have ordered your Carotid Study:

if you have plaque build-up in your arteries

if any symptoms you might have had (such as dizziness, visual or speech disturbances) might be due to Carotid blockages

the cause of or your risk of a stroke

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