Carotid and Vertebral Artery Doppler Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound of the brachiocephalic arteries (neck blood vessels) is a non-invasive ultrasound examination of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries, as well as the vertebral arteries in the neck. The examination evaluates arterial patency, measures the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT)—an early marker of atherosclerosis—and helps detect atherosclerotic plaques, determine the degree of arterial stenosis (narrowing), and identify anatomical variations or abnormalities of the vertebral arteries.

The examination is recommended for patients with high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking history, and other cardiovascular risk factors, as well as for those experiencing dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fainting episodes, memory impairment, or reduced concentration. It is also commonly included in the preoperative assessment before certain cardiovascular surgical procedures and is one of the primary non-invasive methods used to evaluate the risk of cerebrovascular disease and ischemic stroke.

Doppler ultrasound can identify atherosclerotic plaques, arterial stenosis, impaired blood flow, tortuous arteries, congenital vascular abnormalities, and other changes that may increase the risk of reduced blood supply to the brain and stroke.

The procedure is safe, painless, requires no special preparation, and typically takes 20–30 minutes. The results help physicians detect vascular abnormalities at an early stage, assess the risk of complications, and determine the most appropriate treatment or preventive strategy.

Location: Almaty, Aksai-5 district, 12A