Also called trans- and extracranial color duplex sonography
Vascular ultrasound
In neurology, Doppler/duplex sonography is an ultrasound examination used to measure the velocity of blood in the vessels (arteries and veins) within and outside the skull (transcranial and extracranial). This allows detection of vasoconstriction and changes in blood flow.
Examination
Doppler/duplex sonography of the blood vessels located outside and inside the skull and supplying blood to the brain is performed like any other ultrasound examination. A gel is first applied to the corresponding area of skin. This is necessary because the air between the transducer and the skin would otherwise reflect the ultrasound waves. The ultrasound probe is directed towards the affected area of the body. If it is suspected that an artery supplying the brain may be constricted, this would be the lateral neck region or the temporal region, for example. The examination is harmless, painless and there is no risk to the body.
