The Carotid Ultrasound is a painless and non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the interior of your carotid arteries. The carotid arteries deliver blood from your heart to your brain. You have two common carotid arteries, one on each side of your neck; they divide into internal and external carotid arteries. The internal carotid arteries supply oxygen rich blood to your brain, whereas the external carotid arteries supply oxygen rich blood to your face, scalp and neck.

A carotid ultrasound will reveal any built up plaque in your carotid arteries. Plaque is a waxy substance and its buildup in the carotid arteries is called carotid artery disease. Over a period of time the plaque can harden or rupture, hardened plaque narrows the carotid arteries and reduces the flow of blood to the brain.

In the event the plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms on its surface, it can largely or completely block blood flow through a carotid artery, this may cause a stroke. A piece of plaque or a blood clot can break away from the wall of the carotid artery, travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in one of the brain’s smaller arteries. This can block blood flow in the artery and cause a stroke.

A standard carotid ultrasound shows the structure of your carotid arteries, in addition to this a Doppler ultrasound might be required to fully assess whether you have a blood flow problem in your carotid arteries. Doppler ultrasound is a special test that shows the movement of blood through your blood vessels in real-time.

Carotid ultrasound is usually used to test for blocked or narrowed carotid arteries, which can indicate an increased risk of stroke. These results can help your doctor determine the kind of treatment you may need to lower your risk of stroke.