Carotid Ultrasound

Carotid ultrasonography uses sound waves to create images of the carotid and vertebral arteries, which provide blood flow to the brain.  A smooth probe is slowly moved up and down the neck to trace the arteries, to measure blood flow, to look for plaque (build up of material in the artery), and to identify any narrow or blocked arteries.  The test is painless and does not use radiation.