3.08.2013

Transcranial Doppler

How does a transcranial doppler work?

  • uses low-frequency U/S to evaluate flow velocity in cerebral vessels

Why might you order a transcranial doppler?

  1. evaluation of basal cerebral arteries
  2. finding spasms intercranially
  3. evaluating the patency of the MCA (you would look for this in patients with carotid stenosis)
What the upside to transcranial dopplers?
  1. no radiation
  2. fast
  3. non-invasive
  4. can evaluate the circle of willis/intercranial carotids
What is the downside?
  1. the outcomes is dependent on the person doing the test - skill and bias can play a role
Transcranial Doppler Video (a little old school - but good information)



Pic source: http://spencertechnologies.com
Source: Ferri's Best Test: A practical guide to clinical lab and medicine diagnostic imaging, Fred Ferri

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