Carotid ultrasound
A carotid ultrasound is a scan of the main arteries that supply blood to the brain. The carotid arteries are located on the left and right sides of your neck.
Mayo Clinic Healthcare carotid ultrasound provides detailed information about the arterial walls. This includes the presence of plaque and whether plaque buildup over time has led to narrowing of the blood vessel. This narrowing is called stenosis.
The procedure can provide information on a range of conditions, including:
- Elevated blood cholesterol levels.
- High blood pressure.
- A family history of stroke or heart attack.
- Dizziness or collapse.
- Genetic predisposition to deposit cholesterol in the blood vessels (APOE variant).
Your healthcare professional also may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you smoke or previously smoked or have had a stroke or heart attack.
How should I prepare for a carotid ultrasound?
No special preparation is required for a carotid ultrasound, though you will need to avoid wearing lotions or creams on your skin the day of your appointment because they can interfere with the scan.
You do not need to remove clothing for the procedure.
What happens during a carotid ultrasound?
During the procedure, a sonographer will apply a small amount of gel to your neck area to help get better images. The sonographer gently presses a wand, called a transducer, on your neck and moves it around. The transducer sends signals to a computer that develops them into images that can be seen on a screen.
You will need to be still and not talk for 20 to 30 minutes.
During the scan, the sonographer measures how fast blood flows through your blood vessels. You may hear a whooshing sound during the scan.
How long does it take to get the results from a carotid ultrasound?
After the sonographer or radiologist conducts the carotid ultrasound, the images will be reviewed. The radiologist or sonographer identifies any issues and shares those findings with your private consultant. At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you should generally receive your results within 48 hours.
Book an appointment
If you need an accurate ultrasound of your neck and its arteries with quick results, request an appointment at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London online or call us at +44 (0) 207 871 2575.