About the Scan - Carotid Ultrasound

SMIL offers a carotid ultrasound exam to detect narrowing of the carotid artery, a condition that substantially increases the risk of stroke. The two carotid arteries are located on each side of the neck and carry blood from the heart to the brain. A carotid ultrasound exam may also be performed if a patient has high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or a family history of stroke or heart disease.

A carotid ultrasound exam is performed to check for blocked or narrowing vessels. It can also check the state of the carotid artery after surgery and verify the position of a metal stent placed to maintain carotid blood flow.

A carotid ultrasound exam is safe and painless procedure that uses sound waves to examine the structure and function of the arteries in your neck. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation.

Learn more about how to prepare for a carotid ultrasound exam in the preparations for a carotid ultrasound exam section.

Learn more about carotid ultrasound exams in the benefits and risks of a carotid ultrasound exam section.

For a downloadable/printable PDF about this exam with preparation instructions click here.