Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
Specialist carotid and vertebral artery ultrasound to assess blood flow through the arteries of the neck and identify vascular abnormalities.
Tunica Diagnostics provides private carotid Doppler scans from our specialist vascular diagnostic clinic in Central London.
What is a carotid Doppler scan?
A carotid Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive examination used to assess the carotid arteries in the neck and the blood flowing through them.
The carotid arteries are major blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. The examination can assess the structure of these arteries and identify changes in blood flow that may be associated with narrowing.
At Tunica Diagnostics, the examination also includes assessment of the vertebral arteries as part of the cerebrovascular ultrasound scan.
The scan combines ultrasound imaging with Doppler techniques and does not use ionising radiation.
What does a carotid ultrasound check?
Carotid duplex ultrasound provides information about both the structure of the arteries and the blood flowing through them.
Carotid arteries
The main carotid arteries and their branches can be visualised and assessed using ultrasound.
Vertebral arteries
The vertebral arteries are assessed as part of the examination of blood flow supplying the brain.
Blood-flow direction
Doppler ultrasound allows the direction and pattern of blood flow to be assessed.
Arterial narrowing
Changes in blood-flow velocity can help identify areas where the carotid artery may be narrowed.
Plaque within the artery
Ultrasound can visualise changes in the arterial wall and plaque within the carotid arteries.
Cerebrovascular circulation
The examination provides information about blood flow through important neck arteries supplying the brain.
When might a carotid Doppler scan be requested?
A carotid ultrasound may be requested when a clinician wants more information about blood flow through the carotid and vertebral arteries.
The reason for assessment can vary, so the ultrasound findings should be interpreted within the wider clinical context.
What happens during a carotid ultrasound?
Carotid Doppler ultrasound is non-invasive and uses ultrasound imaging together with Doppler assessment of blood flow.
Clinical information
Relevant history and the reason for your carotid assessment are reviewed.
Neck ultrasound
Ultrasound gel is applied to the neck and the arteries are examined using an ultrasound probe.
Doppler measurements
Blood-flow patterns and velocities are assessed within the carotid and vertebral arteries.
Findings
The ultrasound findings are documented to support the appropriate clinical pathway.
What can a carotid ultrasound show?
A carotid duplex scan provides information about both the appearance of the arteries and the blood flowing through them.
The findings can help identify plaque, altered blood-flow velocities and areas where narrowing may be present.
This diagnostic information can support further review or management by the appropriate healthcare professional.
Private carotid Doppler scan price
Our carotid duplex examination includes assessment of the carotid and vertebral arteries from our Central London clinic.
If you are unsure whether this is the appropriate vascular examination for your needs, contact Tunica Diagnostics before booking.
A routine private carotid ultrasound appointment is not a substitute for emergency medical care. If you develop sudden facial weakness, arm weakness or numbness, speech difficulty, sudden loss of vision, severe new neurological symptoms or other symptoms concerning for stroke, seek emergency medical attention immediately rather than waiting for a private scan.
Private carotid Doppler scans in Central London
Tunica Diagnostics provides specialist carotid and vertebral artery ultrasound from our vascular diagnostic clinic on Charing Cross Road.
Our service is available for patients requiring a private carotid duplex scan or specialist assessment of the arteries in the neck.
Carotid Doppler ultrasound FAQs
Common questions about private carotid ultrasound, carotid Doppler scans and neck artery assessment.
What is a carotid Doppler ultrasound?
A carotid Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive examination of the arteries in the neck. It combines ultrasound imaging with Doppler techniques to assess arterial structure and blood flow.
What does a carotid ultrasound show?
The scan can assess the carotid arteries for plaque, arterial narrowing and changes in blood-flow velocity. The vertebral arteries can also be assessed as part of the examination.
Can a carotid ultrasound detect narrowing?
Carotid duplex ultrasound can identify findings associated with narrowing of the carotid arteries and provide information about the degree of stenosis.
How much does a private carotid scan cost?
At Tunica Diagnostics, a carotid and vertebral artery ultrasound is £199.
Does a carotid scan use radiation?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and does not use ionising radiation.
Is a carotid Doppler painful?
The examination is non-invasive. Ultrasound gel is applied to the neck and an ultrasound probe is moved over the arteries being assessed.
What is carotid stenosis?
Carotid stenosis means narrowing of a carotid artery. Ultrasound can help assess the artery and blood-flow changes associated with narrowing.
Is a carotid ultrasound a stroke test?
A carotid ultrasound assesses the arteries in the neck; it does not diagnose a stroke itself. If stroke is suspected because of sudden neurological symptoms, emergency medical assessment is required.
Where can I have a private carotid scan in London?
Tunica Diagnostics provides private carotid and vertebral artery ultrasound from 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.
Book a private carotid Doppler ultrasound
Arrange a specialist carotid and vertebral artery ultrasound at our Central London vascular diagnostic clinic.