What impairment can be detected using the Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography?
The cervical-cerebral ultrasonography, better known as the Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, consists of measuring the rate of the arterial blood flow. In neurology it is especially used for the study of the carotid arteries at the extracranial level and their main branches by transcranial examination.
Why it can be recommended
The main indication for performing a Doppler ultrasonography is represented by the detection and staging (measuring) of carotid stenoses responsible for strokes, the second cause of morbidity and mortality in Romania, following the oncological conditions.
In other words, this investigation can detect and stabilize a carotid stenosis, so that a later therapy can be adapted to the degree of stenosis.
The patients with vascular risk factors require an ultrasound assessment of the carotid arteries in order to determine the appropriate treatment regimen. Monitoring is subsequently recommended at regular intervals established by the neurologist depending on the degree of stenosis.
The Doppler ultrasound is used in neurology to identify the following conditions:
- Vascular wall damage, such as cholesterol deposits, which favours the occurrence of the atheromatic plaque. These can cause stenosis or occlusions of the carotid and vertebral arteries.
- The transcranial examination may reveal the presence of intracranial stenoses and, to a lesser extent, arterio-venous malformations or vasospasm in the cerebral arteries.
Why is it important to carefully choose the specialist who performs and reads a Doppler ultrasound?
Because there are some parameters that require particular attention, such as the structure parameters of the arterial wall and the parameters of the vascular flow. If these are not interpreted correctly, they can cancel the entire investigation. From a neurological point of view, the structure and size of large blood vessel walls are vital in establishing the patient’s subsequent diagnosis and monitoring.
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Last Updated on March 6, 2020
