Neck vessel ultrasound
carotid ultrasound · carotid Doppler · carotid duplex scan · neck artery scan
The doctor uses a probe to look at the arteries in your neck that carry blood to the brain. The scan shows plaques, narrowing, and how blood flows.
For dizziness, noise in the head, after a stroke or mini-stroke, high cholesterol or blood pressure, or before heart surgery.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 30 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Preparation. No special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink as usual.
- Clothing. Wear something comfortable that leaves your neck bare. Take off necklaces and earrings before the scan.
- Before you go in. You are usually advised not to smoke or drink strong coffee for a couple of hours before. Check with your clinic.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past vascular ultrasound reports
- A towel or tissues, if your clinic asks
How it goes
- You lie on your back, and your head is turned slightly to one side
- Cool gel is put on your neck
- The doctor moves the probe along one side of your neck, then the other
- Sometimes you hear a whooshing sound. This is the sound of blood flow
- The gel is wiped off, and you get up
What you'll feel
- Cool gel and light pressure from the probe
- No pain
Afterwards
- You usually get the report right away
- You can go back to your day right away
- Your doctor will tell you what to do next
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Sudden weakness or numbness in an arm, leg, or one side of the face, trouble speaking, or a drooping face may be a stroke. Call emergency services right away
Common questions
What are the brachiocephalic arteries?
They are the large blood vessels in the neck that carry blood to the brain.
Do I need to prepare for a neck vessel ultrasound?
No. You can eat and drink. Just keep your neck bare, with no jewelry.