Cerebrovascular Ultrasound studies

TCD and Carotid Duplex studies are non-invasive ultrasound methods used to examine the blood circulation of the arteries in your head and neck that supply oxygenated blood to your eyes and brain. The sound waves move through your skin and other body tissues to the blood vessels. The sound waves echo off the blood cells. These echoes are then sent to a computer and seen on a screen as images or video. These ultrasound images can help your doctor identify a wide range of conditions affecting blood flow to and within the brain.

Preparation:

There is NO special preparation for a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and/or Carotid Duplex study other than no facial makeup around the side of the face or temple area. You will not need to remove any clothing.

During the test:

The examination takes approximately 60-75 minutes to perform and is done by a specially trained sonographer who will apply some gel to areas to be examined while you are on an exam table. A small device called transducer is held in place on the skin’s surface while the blood flow information is being recorded. You will be asked to hold your breath for brief periods during the test. During the study, please try not to talk or move to minimize distortion of the images. There is no discomfort or pain during or after the examination. Ultrasound is not hazardous and there are no harmful side effects. In addition, ultrasound does not use radiation like X-ray examinations.

• TCD only is 45 minutes
• Carotid Duplex only is 30 minutes
• Both tests together are 75 minutes

The results should be available to your physician within 7 days from the date of the test.

Please call the clinic at 301-562-7200 if you have questions or need to reschedule. Please provide us with a minimum 24-hour notice as we have a late cancellation/no show fee of $150.