Carotid Duplex Scanning

Carotid duplex scanning is a noninvasive ultrasound method that measures blood flow through the carotid arteries, the large arteries that run from the heart through the neck to the brain.

Carotid duplex scanning is often the first test done to assess stroke risk, and often helps the medical team decide what other tests may be needed to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your physician may order carotid duplex scanning to evaluate symptoms including:

• Stroke
• Transient Ischemic Attack
• Loss of muscle control
• Other symptoms that might result from narrowing or blockage of the vessels (stenosis)