Why might I need a carotid ultrasound?
Your GP or specialist may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you have experienced symptoms that could be associated with a TIA (mini-stroke) or stroke, or if you have risk factors for carotid artery disease.
Symptoms that may prompt investigation include:
- temporary visual disturbance or loss of vision
- weakness, tingling or numbness affecting one side of the body
- difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- other temporary neurological symptoms.
A carotid ultrasound may also be requested to monitor known carotid artery disease or following previous treatment.
If you develop sudden symptoms such as facial weakness, arm weakness or difficulty speaking, seek urgent medical attention and call 000.
What does a carotid ultrasound assess?
The scan examines the arteries on both sides of the neck, including the:
- common carotid arteries
- internal carotid arteries
- external carotid arteries
- vertebral arteries
- subclavian arteries.
Colour Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound are used to assess the arteries and measure the speed and direction of blood flow.
This helps identify atherosclerotic plaque, carotid artery narrowing and abnormalities in blood flow, and allows the degree of narrowing to be assessed.
What happens during the test?
No special preparation is usually required for a carotid ultrasound.
Please arrive approximately 5 minutes before your appointment to allow time for any necessary paperwork.
You will lie on an examination bed with your neck exposed. You may be asked to remove a jacket, high-necked clothing or large jewellery so the sonographer can access both sides of your neck.
Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and the sonographer gently moves the ultrasound probe over the neck while recording images and blood-flow measurements.
A carotid ultrasound is non-invasive and usually takes approximately 10–30 minutes.
How will I receive my results?
After the examination, the ultrasound images and measurements are reviewed and a report is prepared.
If you are seeing Dr Igor Banzic on the same day as your scan, he can discuss the findings with you during your consultation.
Otherwise, the report will be sent to your referring GP or specialist, who can discuss the results and any recommended next steps with you.
If an urgent finding is identified, this will be communicated promptly to the appropriate doctor and you will be advised if further assessment is required.
