What Is a Carotid Ultrasound?
A carotid ultrasound is a safe, painless, and non-invasive imaging examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate blood flow through the carotid arteries in your neck. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. The examination helps detect narrowing (stenosis), plaque buildup, or other abnormalities that may increase the risk of stroke or other vascular conditions. Because it uses ultrasound technology, the procedure does not involve radiation and provides real-time images of your blood vessels and blood flow.
Why Is a Carotid Ultrasound Performed?
A Carotid Ultrasound is performed to evaluate the carotid arteries, the major blood vessels in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. This examination uses ultrasound to assess blood flow and identify narrowing (stenosis), plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), or other abnormalities that may increase the risk of stroke. It is a safe, noninvasive way to evaluate the health of your carotid arteries without radiation, contrast dye, or injections.
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A Carotid Ultrasound may be recommended if you have experienced symptoms such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, dizziness, vision changes, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body. It is also commonly performed to evaluate a carotid bruit heard during a physical examination, monitor previously diagnosed carotid artery disease, or assess individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of vascular disease.
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A Carotid Ultrasound is a safe, painless, noninvasive, and radiation-free examination that provides valuable information about blood flow to the brain. Early detection of carotid artery disease can help guide treatment, reduce the risk of stroke, and support long-term vascular health.
Common Reasons to Schedule a Carotid Ultrasound
A Carotid Ultrasound is performed to evaluate blood flow through the carotid arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. This examination helps detect narrowing (stenosis), plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), or other abnormalities that may increase the risk of stroke. You may benefit from a Carotid Ultrasound if you have symptoms, risk factors, or a history of carotid artery disease.
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History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
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Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting episodes
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Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
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Temporary vision loss or blurred vision
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Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
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A carotid bruit (abnormal sound in the neck) heard during a physical examination
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Suspected or previously diagnosed carotid artery stenosis
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Follow-up of known carotid artery disease
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Monitoring after carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stent placement
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High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
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History of smoking or tobacco use
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Family history of stroke or vascular disease
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Evaluation of abnormal findings from another imaging study
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Assessment before certain cardiovascular or vascular surgical procedures
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A Carotid Ultrasound is a safe, painless, noninvasive, and radiation-free examination that provides valuable information about blood flow to the brain. It helps detect carotid artery disease, assess the severity of narrowing, guide treatment decisions, and reduce the risk of stroke through early detection and ongoing monitoring.
What to Expect During Your Examination
A carotid ultrasound is a comfortable, non-invasive examination that typically takes 20–30 minutes to complete. After you arrive, a registered vascular sonographer will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
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During the examination, you will lie comfortably on an exam table with your head slightly turned to one side. A small amount of warm ultrasound gel will be applied to your neck, and a handheld ultrasound transducer will be gently moved over the skin to obtain detailed images of your carotid arteries and evaluate blood flow.
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The examination is painless and does not involve needles, injections, or radiation. Once the imaging is complete, the gel will be wiped away, and you may immediately return to your normal daily activities
How to Prepare for Your Carotid Ultrasound
A Carotid Ultrasound requires very little preparation. Following these simple instructions will help ensure your examination is completed comfortably and accurately.
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Before Your Appointment
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✓ No fasting is required. You may eat and drink normally before your examination.
✓ Continue taking your prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
✓ Wear a comfortable, loose-fitting shirt with an open collar or a V-neck, if possible, to allow easy access to your neck. You may be asked to remove necklaces, scarves, or other items around your neck before the examination.
✓ Avoid wearing turtlenecks or bulky clothing that may interfere with imaging of the neck.
✓ Bring any previous carotid ultrasound, CT angiography (CTA), MR angiography (MRA), or other vascular imaging studies if they were performed at another facility.
✓ Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork before your examination.
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A Carotid Ultrasound is a safe, painless, noninvasive, and radiation-free examination that does not require contrast dye or injections. During the examination, ultrasound imaging and Doppler technology are used to evaluate blood flow through the carotid arteries in your neck. Following these instructions will help ensure the most accurate and reliable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a carotid ultrasound painful? Â
A: No. A carotid ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive examination. You may feel slight pressure from the ultrasound transducer on your neck, but the procedure should not cause discomfort.
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Q: How long does the examination take? Â
A: Most carotid ultrasound examinations are completed in 20–30 minutes, although the exact time may vary depending on your medical history and the images required.
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Q: Do I need to fast before my appointment? Â
A: No. In most cases, no fasting or special preparation is required. Unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions, you may eat, drink, and take your medications as usual.
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Q: Does a carotid ultrasound use radiation? Â
A: No. Carotid ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the carotid arteries and does not expose you to radiation.
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Q: Will I receive my results immediately? Â
A: After your examination, the images will be carefully reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified radiologist. Your results will then be sent to your referring healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings with you and recommend any necessary next steps.
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Q: Who should have a carotid ultrasound?Â
 A: Your healthcare provider may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you have symptoms suggestive of reduced blood flow to the brain, a carotid bruit, a history of stroke or TIA, known carotid artery disease, or risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking.
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Q: Can I drive after my examination?
  A: Yes. A carotid ultrasound does not require sedation or recovery time, so you may drive yourself home and resume your normal daily activities immediately afterward.
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Still Have Questions?
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If you have questions about your carotid ultrasound or need help scheduling your examination, our team is here to help.
Schedule Your Carotid Ultrasound
If you need to evaluate blood flow to your brain or have been advised to undergo imaging of your carotid arteries, scheduling your Carotid Ultrasound is quick and convenient. This examination helps detect narrowing, plaque buildup, and other abnormalities that may increase the risk of stroke.
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Use our online scheduling system to choose a date and time that works best for you. A referral is not required if you are paying out of pocket (self-pay). If you have a referral from your healthcare provider, we are happy to coordinate your examination and provide a physician-interpreted report. If you have questions about the examination or need assistance determining whether a Carotid Ultrasound is right for you, our experienced ultrasound technologist is happy to help.
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Choose the option below to schedule your Carotid Ultrasound.
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Schedule Online or Contact Our Office to book your appointment.
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If you are experiencing symptoms of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden vision loss, severe dizziness, or confusion, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention immediately.
Why Choose Alpha Vascular?
Experienced Sonographer
Board-Certified Interpretation
Advanced Ultrasound Technology
