A neck scan? Let's talk about carotid ultrasound.

Have you ever thought that the two main blood vessels that carry blood to your brain are located on either side of your neck? Yes, these are what we call the carotid arteries. If, over time, things like fat build up inside these blood vessels and become blocked, blood flow to the brain can be disrupted, leading to a serious condition like a stroke. So, today we are going to talk about a very simple, painless, and risk-free test that will help you determine the exact condition of these vessels.

What is a carotid ultrasound?

Simply put, this is like an ultrasound scan that a mother who is expecting a baby has. But this one is done on both sides of your neck instead of your stomach. This test doesn't use any radiation. Instead , it uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your carotid artery that is displayed on a computer screen. There's another special technique called Doppler ultrasound . It can see exactly how fast and how well blood is moving through your arteries. It's like watching water flow through a pipe.

Why do you need to do a scan like this?

Your doctor will order this scan primarily to check for blood clots or plaque buildup in your carotid arteries. These plaques can gradually narrow the artery and eventually block it completely. This increases your risk of stroke. Your doctor may recommend this test in the following situations:

How do I prepare before the scan?

This is the best part. There is no special preparation required for this scan. You don't need to stop eating or taking any medications (but check with your doctor to make sure). But it's easier if you remember a couple of things:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a wide neckline. If you wear tight clothing that covers your neck, you may need to wear a hospital gown.
• Do not wear large necklaces or earrings. These may interfere with the scan .

What happens during the scan? It's very simple!

The test usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes . Imagine yourself lying very still on a bed in the examination room. 1. Applying a gel: First, the sonographer will apply a transparent gel to the sides of your neck. It may feel a little warm. This gel helps the sound waves pass through your skin and into your arteries. 2. Scanning: Then, he or she will place a small, handheld device (transducer) on your neck and move it back and forth. This device sends out sound waves and picks up the returning waves. This information is then converted into pictures by a computer. 3. Stay still: For the best results, it is important to remain as still as possible during the scan. 4. Will there be any sound? There is no sound during a regular ultrasound. But during the Doppler part, which looks at blood flow, you may hear a rhythmic “s…s…s…” sound. That’s the sound of blood flowing inside your artery. There’s nothing to worry about. When the scan is over, you’ll be given a towel to wipe off the gel. Then you can go home as usual. No special rest is needed.

Is there any risk in this?

There are no risks to this test. There is no pain. There is no radiation . You may feel a little pressure when the device is pressed against your neck, but there is no pain at all. So don't be afraid of this.

What does the report say? Let's understand the results

The report your doctor receives will mainly tell you how much of your carotid artery is blocked. It's expressed as a percentage.

• Normal Result: This means that there is no significant narrowing or blockage in your arteries, and blood is flowing well. This is good news!
• Abnormal Result: This means that there is some degree of blockage in one or both of your arteries. This fatty buildup is called atherosclerosis . This condition increases the risk of stroke.

If the results are abnormal, what do you do next?

Don't worry. Even if there is a blockage, there are many things that can be done about it. Treatment depends on the extent of the blockage and the symptoms you are having. This is all determined by your doctor .

If there is a less severe blockage:

At this point, the doctor will not go for surgery. Instead, he will recommend lifestyle changes and medication.

• Lifestyle changes:
• Diet control : Reduce foods high in oil, salt, and sugar, and eat more vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich foods.
• Exercise: Get into the habit of doing simple exercise, like walking daily.
• Quit smoking : Smoking fatally damages the arteries.
• Types of medicines:
• Cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., statins )
• Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Aspirin, Clopidogrel )
• Blood pressure medications ( Antihypertensives )

If there is a more severe blockage:

If the artery is significantly blocked, meaning more than 50%-60%, and you are also experiencing symptoms, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments.

• Carotid Endarterectomy: This is a surgery. Like removing a blockage from a pipe, the artery is opened and the fatty layer (plaque) inside is removed.
• Angioplasty and Stenting: This involves inflating a balloon into the narrowed artery to widen it. Then, a small mesh-like device ( stent ) is inserted to keep it from closing again.

Sometimes, if a carotid ultrasound can't get a complete picture (for example, if part of the artery is blocked by a bone), your doctor may order another scan, such as a CT or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) .

Take-Home Message

• A carotid ultrasound is a very safe and painless scan that checks the condition of the arteries in the neck that carry blood to the brain.
• This can help detect early blockages in the arteries that can lead to stroke.
• The test requires no special preparation, and there are no risks or side effects.
• Depending on the test results, treatment can include lifestyle changes, medication, or, if necessary, surgery.
• Always discuss your test results and future treatment with your doctor . They will provide you with the best possible guidance.

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