What is a carotid artery ultrasound?
A carotid artery ultrasound is a test that uses reflected sound waves to create pictures of the carotid (neck) arteries. It shows how blood is moving through the arteries. It can show if either of the carotid arteries is narrowed and limiting blood flow to the brain.
Why is a carotid artery ultrasound done?
A carotid artery ultrasound is done to see how well blood is moving through the carotid (neck) arteries. It's also done to find plaque buildup in the arteries.
How is a carotid artery ultrasound done?
Before the test
- Remove any jewelry that might affect the ultrasound scan.
- Take off your shirt or blouse. You'll be given a gown to wear during the test.
During the test
- The doctor or ultrasound technologist will have you lie down with a pillow under your head for support. The test is done on both sides of your neck.
- You'll need to lie very still.
- A gel is applied to your skin to help the sound waves pass through.
- A hand-held device called a transducer is placed in the gel and moved along your skin. You may hear sounds from the flow of blood through the blood vessels. The movement of blood cells causes a change in the pitch of the reflected sound waves. If there's no blood flow, the pitch doesn't change.
What do the results of a carotid artery ultrasound mean?
| Normal: | The test shows normal blood flow through the carotid arteries. There is no sign of a blockage or narrowing of the arteries. |
| Abnormal: | The test shows that blood flow through the carotid arteries is not normal. The test can show a blockage or plaque in the arteries. It can also show how much of the artery is narrowed. |
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