A Carotid Doppler exam is an ultrasound test used to evaluate the arteries in your neck to evaluate for any blockages or disease. For this test, you will lie on your back with a small pillow. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes during which an ultrasound transducer is moved along the neck using a clear ultrasound gel for the transducer. Pictures are taken of the blood vessels in the neck and recorded for the physician to interpret.

What kind of symptoms might I experience if there were a blockage in my carotid arteries?

There are several signs and symptoms that you may experience such as:

Carotid bruit (a noise or murmur heard in the neck when your doctor listens to your neck with a stethoscope)
Loss of balance
Vertigo (dizziness)
Aphasia (inability to speak)
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body
Amaurosis Fugax (transient blindness in one eye)
Syncope (fainting)

Preparing for the Test:

• There is no need for any special preparation.

• You may eat and go about your normal activities unless otherwise informed.

• Do continue to take all your medications prescribed by your doctor and follow your doctor’s orders as usual.

Further Reading

What is a Heart Attack? American Heart Association

Warning Signs of
Heart Attack? American Heart Association

Warning Signs of Stroke? American Heart Association

Heart Disease and Stroke? American Heart Association