Doppler ultrasound of intracranial arteries

What is Doppler ultrasound of intracranial arteries

Doppler ultrasound of intracranial arteries is an imaging examination that uses ultrasound waves to assess blood flow in arteries located inside the skull. The doctor places the probe of the device on selected areas of the head and neck, and the machine shows in real time how blood flows through the cerebral vessels. The test is painless, non-invasive and safe, and it can be repeated many times.

Doppler ultrasound helps detect, among others, vessel stenoses, aneurysms, blood flow disorders after stroke or transient ischaemic attacks (TIA), as well as assess the risk of vascular complications within the brain.

Who is it for

Doppler ultrasound of intracranial arteries is especially recommended for people who:

• experience recurrent dizziness, fainting or sudden weakness;
• have sudden vision, speech or balance disturbances;
• have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA);
• suffer from frequent, atypical headaches;
• have been diagnosed with atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, diabetes or other diseases that increase the risk of stroke;
• are under the care of a neurologist or angiologist and require monitoring of cerebral vessels;
• have undergone procedures or surgery on arterial vessels (e.g. carotid arteries) and need follow-up monitoring.

A referral is most often issued by a neurologist, but you can also have the test done for preventive reasons – after consulting a specialist.

How to prepare for the test

Usually, no special preparation is needed for Doppler ultrasound of intracranial arteries. On the day of the test you can eat and drink as usual, unless your doctor has advised otherwise.

Before your visit:

• take your ID document and, if you have one, a referral for the test;
• bring previous imaging results (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and hospital discharge summaries – they will help the doctor interpret the findings;
• prepare a list of the medicines you take, especially those affecting blood clotting;
• if your doctor has recommended taking or stopping specific medicines before the test, follow these instructions.

On the day of the examination, avoid strong coffee, energy drinks and smoking just before the visit – these may affect the blood vessels.

How the test is performed

The test is performed in a lying or semi-sitting position. After entering the examination room, the doctor will take a brief medical history and ask you to lie comfortably on the couch.

A special gel will be applied to the skin of your head (usually in the area of the temples, neck or base of the skull). Then the doctor will place the ultrasound probe and gently move it, observing the image on the monitor. During the test you may hear characteristic sounds – this is the recording of blood flow in the vessels.

The entire examination usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. You will not feel pain, only slight pressure from the probe is possible. After the test, the gel will be wiped off and you can immediately return to your daily activities.

How long you wait for the result and how to interpret it

You usually receive the result of Doppler ultrasound of intracranial arteries on the same day – directly after the examination or after a short waiting time. The result is a written medical report, sometimes with printouts from the device attached.

The report includes information about:

• normal or abnormal blood flow in the cerebral arteries;
• the presence of stenoses, atherosclerotic changes or aneurysms;
• the assessed risk of vascular complications.

The result should be discussed with the referring doctor or a neurologist. Based on the report, the specialist will decide whether further tests, changes in treatment or additional prevention are needed. Interpreting the result on your own may be difficult and should not replace a medical consultation.

Additional information

Doppler ultrasound of intracranial arteries is a safe test, also for older people and those with chronic diseases. Ultrasound waves do not involve ionising radiation, so the test can be repeated as often as your doctor recommends.

Ultrasound does not fully replace CT or MRI, but it is a very important complement in the diagnostics of cerebrovascular diseases. It is particularly useful in monitoring treatment and controlling stroke risk.

Please arrive a few minutes early to calmly complete the formalities. If you have any questions or doubts about the test, ask the doctor or staff before it starts – we are here to help you take care of your health.