WHAT IS A CAROTID DUPLEX?
A carotid duplex scan is a simple and painless test that combines two
types of ultrasound to look for blockages in your carotid arteries. An
ultrasound is a type of scan that uses sound waves to produce a picture of
the inside of your body. Your carotid arteries are located along both sides
of your neck. Blocked carotid arteries are a major risk factor for stroke.
The two types of ultrasound used in a carotid duplex scan are conventional
ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound. Conventional, or B-mode, ultrasound
uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to provide a picture of
the structure of your blood vessel. Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves
that track moving objects. This allows your doctor to see how your blood
is moving through your blood vessels.
Other names for a carotid duplex scan are:
carotid artery duplex scan
carotid ultrasound
vascular ultrasound
carotid artery Doppler sonography
Carotid artery disease is a major risk factor for stroke. The buildup of
cholesterol plaques in your carotid arteries can create blood clots. If
these clots break off, they can travel to your brain and cause a stroke.
The first symptom of carotid artery disease is often a stroke or ministroke.
Some early warning symptoms of a stroke are:
weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of your body or in your
arm or leg
an inability to move your arm or leg
an inability to speak clearly, or having garbled speech
an inability to see in one eye, or tunnel vision
See your doctor immediately if you experience any of these warning
signs, even if they go away. It could mean that you’ve had a stroke or
that you’re about to have one.