The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain.

A Carotid Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to measure blood flow and visualize arterial walls.

Clinical uses include:

Detecting carotid artery stenosis (narrowing due to atherosclerosis).

Identifying plaques or blockages that may cause stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

Monitoring patients with known cardiovascular disease.

Assessing risk before cardiac or vascular surgery.

The test is painless, safe, and performed externally with an ultrasound probe.

Analyte: Blood flow velocity and arterial wall structure in carotid arteries.

Normal Result: Smooth arterial walls with normal blood flow velocity.

Abnormal Findings:

Increased velocity: Suggests narrowing or stenosis.

Plaque formation: Indicates atherosclerosis.

Reduced or turbulent flow: May signal partial or complete blockage.

Clinical Use:

Provides a non-invasive method to assess stroke risk.

Helps guide treatment decisions (medical therapy, stenting, or surgery).

Monitors progression of carotid artery disease.