Carotid Ultrasound and Stroke Prevention. Your Questions Answered by Internal Specialist, Dr Mera.

The Carotid arteries are major blood vessels situated on both sides of the neck. There main purpose is to carry blood to the brain in order to supply it with essential nutrients and oxygen. These arteries over time can narrow due to arteriosclerosis or other causes, impeding the blood flow, which can lead to transient ischemic attack ( a mini-stroke) or cerebral vascular accident (a stroke).

The carotid Doppler or ultrasound is a specific type of scan that focuses on the carotid arteries in the neck, looking for any restrictions on the movement of blood through the arteries. With use of sound waves that are above the human range of hearing, pictures of inside of the arteries are created.

A Doctor may prescribe a carotid ultrasound for a variety of reasons:

• A diagnosed increased risk of having a stroke.
• A blockage, known as an occlusion, from plaque or blood Clot.
• Narrowing of carotid artery, known as stenosis.
• Suffering from a TIA (transient ischemic attack)

This scan is regularly used as a risk assessment tool against strokes, as many people are Asymptomatic.