Get a Carotid Ultrasound Exam in Brooklyn, NY

When there are suspected problems with the blood flow through one or both carotid arteries in your neck, you may need to have a carotid ultrasound. This test helps doctors to see the way that the blood flows through these arteries, as well as to determine if there is a problem.

What It Does

The carotid arteries are the primary sources of blood that goes from you heart directly to your brain. If these arteries become partially or completely blocked, it will lead to a stroke.

A carotid ultrasound test enables a doctor to see how much blood is flowing through your arteries. If there is a blockage, which may be caused by the buildup of plaque, it will be seen in the resultant ultrasound scans.

The Ultrasound Test

When the doctor has determined that an ultrasound test is necessary, an appointment will be made. The only preparation needed is that you will be asked to remove all jewelry around your neck, and wear no collar, or you can wear a shirt or blouse with an open collar.

Most likely, you will be lying on your back during the test. You will be wide awake, and the sonographer may position your neck for easier access to the sides of your neck. A gel will be applied to you neck, which will enable the scanner, called a transducer, to slide easily across your neck. There should not be any pain caused by the scan or by the device.

How It Works

The transducer emits inaudible sound waves into your neck, and then when they echo back, they are recorded. The recording reveals the shape of components in your neck, because the sound pattern is altered as it passes through the bones, muscle, arteries, and fluids. It will be seen as a real-time picture, and it may be recorded as a video, too.

Some ultrasound devices, called Doppler ultrasound, can reveal the flow of blood through your arteries and blood vessels. This enables the speed of the movement of blood through the arteries and veins to be measured.

Effects

Ultrasound has been used on humans for over 50 years. In that time, there have never been any known effects that were considered to be harmful. Due to the size or shape of the neck, some patients may get better results than others.

Treatment

If it is determined that your carotid arteries, or one of them, is partially blocked, there are several treatments that may be offered. The two treatments usually include either cleaning out the arteries surgically, or having surgery to open up the arteries by using stents or angioplasty.

Preventing Blocked Carotid Arteries

It is important to try and prevent blocked carotid arteries, which can lead to stroke, and possibly death. Several things will help: eating healthy foods, not smoking, regular exercise, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol.

Dr. Abdul Malik, MD, is a cardiologist that can provide a carotid ultrasound for patients that need them. He has been practicing cardiology for over 24 years, and has trained many young doctors in the fields of Internal Medicine and Cardiology.