Carotid Ultrasound in Leesburg & Dulles, VA
A carotid ultrasound is a procedure used to evaluate the blood flow through the carotid arteries.
How it Works
During a carotid ultrasound, a sonographer presses a transducer against your neck, which then emits sound waves that echo to produce an on-screen image of the carotid arteries. This image allows the physician to determine if the arteries are narrowed or blocked, which can greatly increase an individual’s risk of stroke.
Dr. Seth Tuwiner provides carotid ultrasounds at his offices in Leesburg and Dulles, VA. Learn more and call the Virginia Center for Neuroscience today at (703) 293-5244.
Other Uses of a Carotid Ultrasound
Carotid ultrasounds are also able to perform a number of other services like:
- Locating of a collection of clotted blood, known as a hematoma, that may be inhibiting blood flow
- Evaluation of blood flow through the carotid artery following surgery to remove plaques
- Determining the efficiency of a recently placed stent
- Detection of other abnormalities of the carotid artery that can disrupt blood flow
Typically, Dr. Tuwiner will recommend a carotid ultrasound if the patient has certain types of strokes or another medical condition that can increase the risk of a stroke such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Coronary artery disease
- Family history of stroke or artery disease
- A recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
- An abnormal sound in carotid arteries (bruit)
Additional Testing
There are several tests that are similar to a carotid ultrasound and can examine blood flow within other areas of the body. These types of tests include:
- Cardiac stress test
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Ankle-brachial index test
Carotid Ultrasound in Northern Virginia
If you are in need of a carotid ultrasound, schedule a consultation with Seth Tuwiner, MD today by calling (703) 293-5244.