Why is this procedure done?
A transcranial doppler is a test used to see how blood flows to your brain. It uses sound waves to look at your veins and arteries in your brain to: ‚
- Find blood clots
- Find any bleeding in the brain
- Find blocked, narrowed, or swollen blood vessels in the brain or neck
- Check for abnormal or enlarged veins
- Look for causes of decreased blood flow to your brain
- See how well the blood is flowing after a blood vessel is fixed
- Go along with other tests like an MRI or CT scan
What will the results be?
A special doctor will look at the ultrasound. The results will help your doctor understand if there is a problem. Together you can make a plan for further care. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
If you smoke or use other products with nicotine in them, you may be asked to stop for 1 to 2 hours before this test. Ask your doctor what to do before the ultrasound. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to lie down on a bed. The technician will place a small amount of gel on your skin. It will help transmit sound waves inside your head and face.
- The technician uses a probe that sends the sound waves over a few areas like the back of your neck, above your cheekbones, in front of your ears, or over your eyelids. These are all places where the machine can get pictures of the blood vessels in your brain.
- The sound waves bounce off of your brain and blood vessels. A computer picks up the sound waves. It changes them into pictures.
- You can see the pictures on a screen beside the bed.
- The probe may move over your skin and you may need to change positions.
- This will help to get more clear and complete images.
- The technician may take still pictures or a videotape of moving images. Sometimes, the technician may press the probe more firmly to get a clearer view of an area. You may feel some discomfort. The technician may ask you to change positions or hold your breath for a few seconds.
- The procedure should take from 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
The technician will wipe off the gel. Your doctor will look at the printed images or videotape. You can go home right after your procedure. Talk to your doctor about when the results will be available. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You may go back to your normal activities when you go home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- The results will help your doctor understand any problems you are having. You may need other tests or procedures.
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
What problems could happen?
Ultrasound tests do not cause any problems to your health. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Radiological Society of North America ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=ultrasound-cranial ‚
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions ‚
http://www.scai.org/SecondsCount/Resources/Detail.aspx?cid=e8f8421c-0703-46ef-8ec0-58c146cb2dc4 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚