Doppler ultrasound (UZD) examination of the vessels of the brain and neck. Ultrasound Dopplerography (USD) of the vessels of the head and neck Why is this study done?

Vascular pathologies can have a great impact on a person’s overall well-being and lead to many diseases. When the first neurological symptoms appear, it is important to determine their cause. In this case, ultrasound examination of the vessels of the brain and neck is indicated, which is a simple and informative method.

Thanks to this study, it is possible to recognize cerebrovascular disorders in the initial stages and begin their treatment.

What is Doppler Doppler Doppler of the Head and Neck Vessels?

Doppler ultrasound helps to study arteries and veins, their condition, patency, the presence of deformations and disorders. This ultrasound technique uses the Doppler effect. It is based on the fact that ultrasound waves are reflected from objects that are in motion with a changed frequency. Those. Ultrasonic waves, passing through blood vessels, are reflected differently from the blood that moves in them, and thanks to this, you can see graphs and photographs on the monitor with information about the blood flow in the arteries and veins.

Ultrasound scanning of the brain and cervical spine is most often performed together so that a full assessment can be made of the vessels that supply blood to the brain.

During an ultrasound, the following arteries and veins are examined:

main arteries of the brain;
middle, anterior and posterior cerebral arteries;
common carotid artery;
vertebral arteries;
Vein of Galen;
veins of Rosenthal, etc.

Indications for use of the procedure

The doctor may give a referral for an ultrasound scan if the patient has some complaints, as they may indicate a rapidly progressing disease.

Doppler ultrasound of the head and neck is indicated for the following symptoms:

headache and dizziness;
fainting;
weakness and fatigue;
blurred vision, especially in only one eye;
tinnitus;
sudden problems with gait.

The reasons for contacting a specialist for this type of Doppler sonography are the following diseases and disorders:

neck and head injuries;
diabetes mellitus;
stroke;
atherosclerosis;
arterial hypertension;
brain hypoxia;
cervical osteochondrosis;
migraine;
elevated cholesterol levels;
disorders of the vestibular apparatus.

When is testing done for children?

Problems with cerebral blood flow also occur in children. The most common pathologies at an early age that can be detected using ultrasound scanning are changes in size, as well as the absence of one or more vessels, pathological tortuosity of the arteries, narrowing or aneurysm.

Early detection of such disorders will allow treatment to begin as early as possible, so doctors recommend doing an ultrasound for children under one year of age for preventive purposes. After a neck injury or due to displacement of the vertebrae, it is recommended to do an ultrasound scan to exclude circulatory problems.

Other indications for this examination in children are:

frequent and severe headaches;
dizziness;
delay in speech development;
impaired attention and perseverance;
fatigue and memory impairment.

Contraindications

Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic method that is safe for the patient and painless. It does not cause side effects and has no contraindications.

Specialists may refuse to perform this test if the patient is in serious condition, cannot lie down, or has an open wound in the areas where the sensor needs to be passed over the skin.

What does ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck show?

Ultrasound diagnostics can be performed with or without visualization of blood vessels. During ultrasound, using visualization, you can see abnormalities in the vascular system and the cause of their occurrence.

Based on the data obtained, we can determine:

integrity of the vessel;
degree of tortuosity and deformation;
the structure of vascular walls, their tendency to elasticity and thickening;
speed and quality of blood flow;
characteristics of venous blood outflow;
patency of the vessel, the presence of plaques, narrowings and blood clots.

When conducting a study, you can see the vessel on the monitor and visually assess its condition. Information that comes from sensors about the speed and direction of blood flow helps identify problems and abnormalities.
When performing ultrasound without visualization, it is possible to determine the direction of movement and the speed of blood flow, but if any abnormalities are detected, it is difficult to identify their cause.

Preparation

Before the study, it is recommended to exclude everything that could put unnecessary strain on blood vessels and blood pressure one day before. You should not drink alcohol and energy drinks; it is advisable to avoid drinking strong tea and coffee or reduce them to a minimum.

3-4 hours before the procedure, you should not smoke or take medications that have a vasodilator or vasoconstrictor effect.

There are no food restrictions on the eve of the study, but it is advisable that the last meal be 2-3 hours before the test to avoid distorting the results. During this time, the food will have time to digest in the stomach, and digestion processes will not reduce blood flow to the head.

If a small child is to be examined, it is recommended to feed him and put him to bed 1 hour before the procedure.

Teenagers need to be explained the meaning and significance of the procedure so that they are not afraid and comply with all the doctor’s requirements.

Both children and adults should not overload their bodies on the eve of the study. It is recommended to avoid stressful situations and emotional turmoil.

How to do an ultrasound of cerebral vessels

Before performing an ultrasound, the patient is interviewed to identify complaints and medical history. This will help interpret the results that will be obtained during the study.

Before lying on the couch, the patient frees the shoulders, neck and head from clothing and jewelry. Long hair should be pinned in advance.

After this, the patient needs to lie on his back, and a special transparent gel is applied to the area being examined. It is necessary so that the sensor has better contact with the skin and the research results are more accurate.

First of all, the doctor examines the vessels of the neck. To do this, an ultrasound sensor is installed above the vessel. Having chosen the optimal position for it, the specialist looks at the monitor and sees images that are constantly changing. After setting up the device, you can examine those veins and arteries that are important for diagnosis and analyze their condition.

After this, an ultrasound of the cerebral vessels is performed. When performing this manipulation, the sensor is installed only in those places where the bones of the skull transmit ultrasonic signals. To study the cerebral arteries, the device is installed on the area of the temples and the back of the head; the area above the eye sockets can also be involved.

To obtain a clearer image and more accurate information about the condition of the vessels, it may be necessary to turn the head to clarify the location of the vessel relative to the nearby vertebra. In addition, they practice pressing the vessel with a finger and holding their breath.

A complete examination usually takes about 30-40 minutes. After the specialist completes the examination, you can wipe off the gel with a napkin or towel and get dressed. At the end of the procedure, the specialist who performed it can draw conclusions about the condition of the blood vessels and the identified pathologies. However, the final diagnosis is made by the doctor who issued the referral for the study.

Decoding of ultrasound examination

The results of diagnostics of the vessels of the brain and neck are contained in the conclusion, which is given to the patient. It contains information about blood flow, its nature, maximum and minimum speed, and the relationship between them. Data on the speed of blood movement during different phases of heart contraction is also indicated.

To assess the anatomy of blood vessels, data are provided on the thickness of their walls, diameter and the presence of any formations inside the vessels.

The results obtained are compared with normal values. For example, the length of the carotid artery is 10-15 cm on the right side and 7-12 on the left, and the thickness of the arteries should be between 0.9 and 1.1 mm. The vertebral arteries are 2-4 mm in diameter without blockage or stenosis.

The fact that the vessels are in good condition and without pathologies is also evidenced by the speed of diastolic blood flow in the common carotid artery, in the external and internal branches; they should be the same. In this case, the external carotid artery gives rise to many additional arteries, while the internal one has no branches.

An experienced doctor will be able to correctly interpret the results of the study. He will evaluate the obtained indicators in a comprehensive manner and make a diagnosis or prescribe additional examination.

Possible disorders and diagnoses

Ultrasound examinations can detect some congenital and acquired vascular disorders, such as changes in the structure of the arteries, detection of narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels, and changes in the size of arteries and veins.

If thinning of the vessel wall is detected, resulting in its protrusion and expansion, then an aneurysm is diagnosed. If a vessel narrows so much that blood cannot pass through it, stenosis is diagnosed. If the vessel wall is damaged, its patency may be impaired; in this case, occlusion is recorded, and if blood flow is obstructed due to the formation of cholesterol plaques, atherosclerosis is recorded.

Based on the data obtained, the following diagnoses can be made:

Hypoplasia of the vertebral arteries. With this disorder, a significant decrease in the diameter of the vertebral artery is recorded. Take into account its internal or external diameter if they are less than 2 and 3 mm, respectively.
Atherosclerosis at different stages. Determining the type of disease depends on the thickness of the vessel walls and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques, their effect on the size of the vessel lumen.
Poor blood circulation in the brain. This condition is observed in vascular malformations, i.e. when the arteries have dimensions different from normal, and the veins are hypertrophied at the site of the lesion.

Ultrasound scanning of the head and neck is an inexpensive procedure that can be used to diagnose many diseases even at the initial stage, and timely treatment will prevent serious consequences.

Our clinic is equipped with high-precision equipment for conducting ultrasound examinations of blood vessels and arteries of the brain and neck using the Doppler method (USDG).

Diagnosis is carried out at a time convenient for patients by highly qualified doctors. Specialists will not only conduct examinations, but also advise on their results. In our clinic in Moscow you can do an ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck at reasonable prices.

Important! Depending on the indications or at the request of the visitor, comprehensive or separate examinations of veins and arteries are carried out.

With us you will receive qualified medical care at the time you choose. At your service are modern equipment, attentive medical staff, spacious, bright and comfortable waiting areas, equipped rooms. The medical center employs general practitioners and specialists; if necessary, you can visit them for referrals and after examinations.

What is ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and head (USDG)

Ultrasound is a study performed using sound waves. The procedure is non-invasive, painless and safe, and does not take much time. To diagnose blood vessels, arteries and veins of the cervical spine, brain, and upper spine, Doppler ultrasound (USDG) is performed. The method is based on the fact that blood moving through the vessels reflects waves with a changed frequency, which makes it possible to determine the speed of blood flow and draw a conclusion about the state of the vessels.

This is the most accessible research method, which lasts no longer than 30 minutes, but at the same time allows you to identify the causes of complaints and ailments of the subject.

Types of ultrasound diagnostics

Using an ultrasound scan of the neck, pathologies of the cervical vessels and arteries are detected at different stages. Doppler ultrasound of vessels located inside the skull is called transcranial (that is, intracranial) Dopplerography. This is a blood flow study. intracranial vessels, hidden by the bones of the skull.

Doppler ultrasound of the brachiocephalic arteries, main and extracranial neck vessels determines the condition of the vessels that participate in the blood supply to the brain, thyroid gland, muscles and tissues of the head and neck. These are the so-called peripheral vessels. As part of this survey, Ultrasound of sleepy, subclavian and vertebral arteries, as well as the arteries of the brachiocephalic trunk.

The development of the ultrasound method has made it possible to significantly expand the list of diseases diagnosed with its help. There are three types Dopplerography of the vessels of the neck and brain:

simple Doppler ultrasound reveals vascular patency;
duplex scanning - establishes the speed of blood flow and determines the structure of blood vessels, wall thickening, degree of bending, identifies blood clots, plaques;
triplex scanning - combines the capabilities of the first two studies and shows the speed and intensity of blood flow in each vessel, and also evaluates the condition of the valves and the structure of the vessel walls.

Before the procedure, you should consult a therapist and a neurologist to specify the indications for ultrasound and, if necessary, stop taking certain medications.

What do ultrasound and ultrasound examinations show?

Based on the results of the study, the neurologist not only performs an analysis, but also identifies the presence of risks of neurological abnormalities in the near future, and therefore, carrying out planned studies, especially in the risk group, can prevent many diseases.

Using Doppler ultrasound, the following can be established:

blood flow speed;
patency and degree of vascular obstruction;
the presence of plaques, blood clots;
congenital and acquired vascular malformations.

If necessary, during the research process, for completeness and accuracy of diagnosis, it is recommended Ultrasound of veins: jugular and vertebral plexus.

Many dangerous diseases can be prevented through their timely detection. For example, ischemic stroke, which occurs as a result of limited oxygen supply to certain areas of the brain, leads to tissue dysfunction and damage. The cause of this disease is a decrease in blood supply due to narrowing or complete obstruction of the arteries.

Passed on time Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck and brain makes it possible to stop the development of this disease at the initial stage, without waiting for irreversible consequences.

During the analysis, complete or partial closure of blood vessels, stenoses (abnormal narrowing of tubular vessels) and pathological curvature are detected. Based on the condition of the blood vessels, one can judge the degree of circulatory obstruction and the extent of the disease, and calculate the risk of stroke.

In what cases is it necessary to undergo ultrasound and ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck?

The vast majority of visitors come for ultrasound examinations on the recommendation of a doctor. Such a visit is not always timely. The first symptoms of many dangerous diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain are most often ignored and referral to a specialist occurs with a serious delay.

Timely examination reduces the risk of developing serious illnesses, disabilities and death. Therefore, it is very important to do a comprehensive ultrasound examination of the vessels of the brain and neck if:

sudden dizziness;
ringing and extraneous noises in the ears;
unsteadiness and uncertainty of gait;
movement coordination disorders;
migraines, headaches and heaviness in the head;
periodic disturbances of vision, hearing, speech;
decreased concentration;
memory impairment, absent-mindedness, general weakness;
fainting;
weakness in the limbs;
numbness and “goosebumps” in the hands, chilliness of the limbs;
short-term blindness in one eye;
sensation of flashing before the eyes;
sudden falls without loss of consciousness;
enlarged lymph nodes or changes in the external contours of the neck;
discomfort, pain or crunching in the cervical area;
sudden changes in weight;
dry skin and hair loss;
absence of pulse in the radial arteries;
loss of taste or sensation in the limbs.

There is also a category of citizens at risk who must periodically, at least once a year, undergo Ultrasound of head and neck vessels: smokers; men over 40 and women over 45; elderly people; persons with high sugar and cholesterol; those suffering from hypertension, heart disease, arrhythmia, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, those who have suffered a stroke, as well as preoperative and postoperative patients. It is necessary to be examined to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for various diseases of the head and neck.

Ultrasound examinations have no contraindications; they are so safe that they are prescribed to children and pregnant women.

How to prepare for ultrasound and ultrasound examination

Preparation for ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck requires on the day of the study, exclude vasodilating drinks from the diet: tea, coffee and coffee drinks, energy drinks and alcohol containing ginger, ginseng, etc.

! You must stop smoking two hours before diagnostic procedures..

Such a symptom as a headache is familiar to everyone. Often the cause of its appearance is vascular disease. In most cases, they develop in middle and old age. Due to insufficient blood supply, signs of ischemia develop. These include: memory impairment, decreased performance, sleep disturbance. To diagnose ischemia, Doppler ultrasound of the neck (USDG) is performed. Among them are large arteries and veins originating from the aortic arch. Currently, ultrasound examination is performed in almost all clinics. This study is not dangerous to health and is painless.

What is vascular Dopplerography?

Doppler ultrasound (USD) is performed to examine veins or arteries. Most often, thanks to this method, I diagnose vascular pathologies of the lower and upper extremities, as well as the head and neck. This study can be performed on patients of any age. There are practically no contraindications to Doppler ultrasound. It can be performed on infants and pregnant women. Dopplerography of the vessels of the brain and neck is an instrumental research method based on determining the speed of blood flow. Thanks to this diagnostic procedure, it is possible to determine how damaged the arteries and veins are, and the degree of narrowing of their lumen.

Dopplerography: the essence of the method

When prescribing this diagnostic method, patients ask: “What is Doppler sonography?” You should know that this procedure is necessary to assess the condition of the blood vessels. It is carried out in conjunction with ultrasound examination (USD). Using Doppler ultrasound you can find out:

Speed and direction of blood flow. Often, with pathologies of arteries and veins, it slows down or accelerates, and turbulence is observed.
Condition of blood vessels. Thanks to ultrasound, obstruction of the lumen of arteries or veins by atherosclerotic plaques, thrombus, etc. is determined. In addition, this method allows you to determine the weakness of the valvular apparatus of blood vessels.

The essence of the study is to scan the arterial or venous system. The image appears on the monitor. There are duplex and triplex scanning of blood vessels. With the first option, it is possible to assess the condition of the endothelium and lumen of the arteries of the head and neck. Triplex scanning is more complex. It produces a color image of the vascular system. This improves visualization and also makes it possible to assess the state of blood flow.

Methods of Dopplerography

With duplex or triplex color scanning, in addition to the listed indicators, possible changes in blood flow (speed, direction) are assessed. It is also possible to visualize the degree of filling of the vessels. Information about the weakness of the venous valves can be obtained by performing functional tests (ask the patient to take a sip, change body position).

Doppler ultrasound of head and neck vessels: cost of the procedure

Dopplerography is carried out in most clinics that have a department or offices. Before coming for an examination, you must pre-register for an ultrasound scan of the vessels of the head and neck. The price of this procedure will depend on the choice of clinic. On average it is 2300-3500 rubles. It is advisable to have a referral for testing with you. In some clinics, Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and head is done both separately and together. The price depends on this. The cost of ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck (or head) ranges from 1100 to 1800 rubles.

Content

Brain cells are so sensitive to a lack of oxygen that even a slight disruption of blood flow leads to serious neurological pathologies. Ultrasound examination of blood vessels makes it possible to solve the problem of cerebrovascular diseases at an early stage. Doctors say that this is the most reliable diagnosis of these diseases. An ultrasound scan showing the vessels of the head and neck provides a unique opportunity to see a two-dimensional image of the circulatory system of the area under study, and it can be done at a price of 1,000 to 12,000 rubles.

What is Doppler Doppler Doppler of the Head and Neck Vessels?

Ultrasound diagnostics is an instrumental research method. Ultrasound waves penetrate the body tissues and are reflected from them, which is recorded by a special sensor. The data is processed by a computer, then displayed on a monitor, after which the doctor examines the image of the internal environment. An additional function of ultrasound diagnostics is Dopplerography. With its help, you can evaluate the speed and nature of blood flow in the veins and arteries. If the blood flow moves in the direction of the sensor, then the computer colors it red, if in the opposite direction, then blue.

Indications for use of the procedure

The main medical indication for performing TCD or USDG of cerebral vessels is deformation, narrowing (stenosis) or blockage (occlusion) of the extracranial (extracranial) vertebral (vertebral) or carotid arteries and intracranial (intracranial) middle, posterior, and forebrain arteries. In clinical practice, the study is prescribed for:

early detection of intracranial vascular lesions;
clarification of the degree of blood flow disturbance after traumatic brain injury;
detection of vascular stenosis after infectious diseases;
selection of optimal therapy for migraine to clarify the vasospasm factor;
assessment of hemodynamics in the brain after organ transplantation;
identifying the causes of poor blood circulation in the brain due to curvature of the spine, cervical osteochondrosis, compression of the vertebral arteries;
monitoring the state of cerebral blood flow during surgical operations;
detection of microembolism in patients with transient circulatory disorders.

An ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and head is prescribed by a doctor at the slightest suspicion of a change in cerebral circulation. The study is also widely used for the prevention of cerebrovascular lesions in people suffering from atherosclerosis or other vascular diseases of the brain. The technique helps prevent the development of strokes and evaluate the tactics of complex treatment of patients.

When is the examination performed on children?

Dopplerography of the vessels of the brain and neck is prescribed in pediatric practice. This research method helps to correctly diagnose a child and conduct a course of correct therapy for long-term headaches. If a newborn has perinatal pathology, then assessing the condition of the vessels of the head and neck provides an excellent opportunity to prevent serious disorders that over time can lead to disability.

When performing an ultrasound or TCD, a person does not experience radiation exposure, so the method is ideal for examining children of any age. Indications for Doppler ultrasound in young patients:

suspected injury to the cervical vertebrae;
residual (residual) effects of perinatal encephalopathy;
psycho-emotional disinhibition;
delayed speech development;
asthenic syndrome (lethargy, high fatigue);
poor memory, inattentiveness.

Contraindications

Dopplerography is a painless procedure. The study does not violate the integrity of tissues and does not have a negative effect on the body, so there are no contraindications to its implementation. Difficulties can arise only in one case - if the patient for some reason cannot take the supine position required for an ultrasound scan session. A relative contraindication is:

presence of a wound in the sensor installation area;
pronounced subcutaneous fat layer;
location of the vessel under the bone;
heart rhythm disturbance.

What does ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck show?

The technique provides the specialist with extensive information about the blood supply to the brain based on the following data:

venous outflow passing from the cranial cavity;
the speed of venous blood flow through the arteries that supply the brain;
the degree of development of the reserve (collateral) vascular network;
kinks, tortuosity, or other vascular abnormalities;
violation of vascular patency, the degree of its severity.

In atherosclerosis, the location of atherosclerotic plaques and the presence of a blood clot are identified. In hypertension, a decrease in elasticity, thickening of arterial walls, and spasm of the cerebral arteries are determined. If blood flow from the brain is disrupted, dilated veins with reduced blood flow may be found. If a change in the direction of blood flow is visible, this indicates the occurrence of various obstacles in its path: the formation of an aneurysm, dissection of the arterial wall.

Preparation

No special preparation is required to perform an ultrasound scan of the neck and head. Before examining the structure of cerebral vessels, you need to notify your doctor about all medications you are taking, since there are medications that can affect the results of the procedure. The session is performed in a supine position, with a low pillow placed under the head. Before starting the study, the patient is asked to relax and breathe calmly. The procedure is carried out according to general methodological principles.

Before starting an ultrasound scan of the neck, the doctor palpates the carotid artery to determine the mobility, location of the vessel, and the strength of its pulsation. In the process of ultrasound scanning, simple techniques are used to study the functions of the external and main arteries: 8-10 branches are pinched with a finger, then a test is performed with tilts and turns of the head. Then the doctor studies the speed of blood flow. Next, a transcranial study is performed, which evaluates the tortuosity of the internal branches of the vertebral and carotid arteries, vascular tone, and blood flow along its entire length.

How to do an ultrasound of cerebral vessels

Scanning the blood vessels of the head and neck can be done in 30-50 minutes. In order for the device to show accurate data, you need to remove air between the skin and the transducer (sensor). To do this, a thin layer of a special gel is applied to the place of its attachment, which must be thoroughly washed off after the session. Doppler ultrasound begins with the vessels of the neck. The doctor applies the sensor to the desired areas and slowly moves it along the blood flow. Then the specialist moves on to examining the vessels of the head.

For this, the uniform rules of ultrasound diagnostics are applied: data is recorded through the temples, which act as windows for better transmission of the ultrasound signal. The sensor picks up the ultrasound that is reflected from the vein or artery and then sends it to the monitor. The resulting picture does not resemble the usual image of a vessel. During an ultrasound scan of the neck and head, sometimes there is a need to conduct various functional tests. To do this, the doctor asks the patient to press the vessels with a sensor or fingers and breathe deeply.

Decoding of ultrasound examination

The results, which show normal patency of the vessels of the head and neck, are as follows:

the carotid artery (CA) on the left arises from the aorta, and on the right from the brachiocephalic vessel;
the internal branch of the common carotid artery (CCA) has no other branches until the entrance to the skull;
the spectral wave in the CCA shows that the speed of diastolic blood flow is the same in the external and internal branches;
many additional branches branch off from the external branch of the CCA;
the waveform in the external branch is triphasic, the blood flow velocity in it during diastole is less than in the CCA;
the waveform in the internal branch is monophasic, the blood flow velocity during diastole is greater than in the CCA;
the vascular wall has a thickness of no more than 0.12 cm.

Possible disorders and diagnoses

If, during an ultrasound examination, abnormal results are found, this indicates the following diseases:

Stenosing atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaques are observed. Their features may indicate the ability to embolize. In the early stage of the disease, increased intima-media thickness can be seen on the image.
Non-stenotic atherosclerosis. The results of the study show an uneven change in echogenicity in large arteries, a narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels by 20%.
Temporal arteritis. The pathology is expressed by uniform diffuse thickening of the vascular walls and decreased echogenicity. If the disease is advanced, then atherosclerotic lesions are also present.
Vascular malformations. The patient has an abnormal vascular network of completely different sizes. The veins extending from the affected area are hypertrophied and have signs of lipotic infiltrates and calcification. The consequence of vascular malformation is the so-called steal syndrome and cerebrovascular accident.
Hypoplasia of the vertebral arteries. Pathology is a decrease in the diameter of blood vessels to 2 or less millimeters. The disease is often accompanied by the entry of the cervical vertebrae into the canal of the transverse processes.

Price

You can do an ultrasound scan in almost all clinics that are equipped with ultrasound machines. You can undergo the procedure free of charge with a referral from your attending physician. However, the disadvantage of such a study is a long queue. Sometimes you have to wait for a free ultrasound examination for several weeks; moreover, the patient will not always be able to choose a convenient time for the examination. The procedure is also carried out during examination or treatment in some hospitals (cardiological, neurological and others).

Private clinics quickly perform ultrasound examinations at an affordable price and at any convenient time. The cost depends on the level of the medical institution and the degree of qualification of the diagnostician. Average price for Doppler ultrasound of head and neck vessels in the Moscow region:

Study title	Session time	Price in rubles
Duplex (double) brain scan	30-45 minutes
Triplex (triple) brain scan	40-60 minutes
Doppler ultrasound of extracranial vessels
TCD of the arteries of the head and neck

Video

Ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the head and neck is a modern and accurate diagnostic method that helps to identify diseases at the initial stage. It shows changes and pathologies in the study area using ultrasonic waves.

This method is absolutely safe for both adults and children. This procedure is carried out with the help of a specialist who applies a special gel to maintain continuous contact and provides an acoustic connection.

This article will be useful to all users because vascular disease is very dangerous and can lead to death if you do not temporarily consult a doctor. In this article you will learn how and why to undergo an ultrasound scan, the principle of the study, the pros and cons of this procedure.

To be clear, this is an ultrasound examination method combined with Doppler ultrasound, through which pathological changes in blood vessels are diagnosed and blood circulation parameters are determined.

There are several research modes. In practice, each of them can be used individually or together (to increase the accuracy and information content of the diagnosis), because duplex scanning of the vessels of the head and neck differs from Doppler ultrasound.

The Doppler ultrasound mode is designed to study the structure of the vessel and nearby tissues. As a result of duplex scanning, it is possible to obtain accurate data on the state of blood flow.

Ultrasound Dopplerography of the vessels of the head and neck is based on changing high-frequency sound vibrations that are not perceived by the human ear. Special sensors emit ultrasonic waves that are reflected from moving blood elements (this phenomenon is called the Doppler effect).

The displayed waves are captured by the device and, converted into electronic pulses, are displayed on the monitor in the form of images and graphs. The data obtained is intended to measure the speed of blood flow and determine the structure of blood vessels. The entire process takes place in real time.

Thanks to a modern ultrasound device with Dopplerography of the vessels of the head and neck, medical specialists can conduct a visual assessment and analyze a whole range of parameters using a method that is safe for health (this is due to the absence of radiation exposure to the body).

In addition, the examination process is completely painless for the patient. This is a non-invasive (without damaging the skin) method of research. Unlike MR angiography, there is no need to use contrast for ultrasound diagnostics.

Having put together the main advantages - safety, painlessness, simplicity and absence of contraindications, we can consider this method as the main one. In this regard, even for newborn children, vascular ultrasound is also the most preferable method for diagnosing vascular diseases.

Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck (USDG of the vessels of the brain and neck) is based on the Doppler effect. A distinction is made between USDG of the cerebral vessels (transcranial USDG) and USDG of the vessels of the neck (USDG of the brachiocephalic vessels). Very often, these two studies are carried out together, which creates a holistic picture of the vessels supplying the brain with blood.

The technique includes the study of the carotid arteries, subclavian and vertebral arteries, veins of the neck, as well as the main arteries of the brain.

The image during ultrasound examinations of the vessels of the head and neck is obtained due to the fact that ultrasonic waves emitted by special ultrasound sensors, passing through a blood vessel, are reflected differently from blood cells (red blood cells), depending on how they move inside the vessel (depending on direction and speed of blood flow).

The reflected waves are picked up by an ultrasound probe and, after being converted into electrical impulses, are displayed on a monitor in real time in the form of graphs and color photographs that represent the flow of blood through the blood vessels.

Ultrasound scanning of vessels allows you to see vessels “from the inside” in real time, thereby making it possible to determine changes in blood flow in vessels associated with spasm, narrowing or thrombosis. During Doppler sonography, only one function can be studied - the patency of the vessel.

In addition, the clinic performs duplex scanning of blood vessels (ultrasonic scanning), which allows one to simultaneously evaluate two functions - to study the anatomy of blood vessels and assess the speed of blood flow, as well as triplex scanning - to study three functions, including: study of the anatomy of blood vessels; blood flow assessment; accurate assessment of vessel patency in color mode.

Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and brain reveals whether there are obstacles to blood flow in the vessels. The method helps to quickly, without prior preparation, in real time, determine:

early lesions of blood vessels (arteries), atherosclerotic or inflammatory in nature;
state of venous blood flow;
presence and degree of arterial obstruction;
blood flow speed through the vessels being studied;
changes in the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, including age-related ones;
common causes of dizziness: congenital vascular anomalies - arterial hypoplasia (small diameter), pathological tortuosity of the vessels;
causes of headache: increased intracranial pressure and vasospasm

This diagnostic method is used in almost all medical fields and allows you to identify any structural changes in an organ, identify a violation of its function, and determine the probable cause of pain. In some cases, such a study helps to avoid surgical intervention, and this is also an important advantage of ultrasound. Therefore, if something worries you, feel free to sign up for an ultrasound.

The areas of application of ultrasound are varied. Ultrasound examination can detect diseases of the liver, pancreas, bladder and other abdominal organs, as well as kidneys and adrenal glands. Ultrasound is actively used in obstetrics and gynecology, for example, to diagnose inflammation, uterine fibroids, female infertility, and ovarian cysts.

Using ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck, you can:

quantify the speed of blood flow in the main arteries of the head and neck;
identify early vascular disorders, including those caused by blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques;
determine the presence of stenosis (narrowing) of the arteries, as well as their significance;
find out the causes of headaches (increased intracranial pressure, vasospasm);
assess the condition of the vertebral arteries;
assess the state of venous blood flow in the vessels of the neck;
diagnose the presence of cerebral aneurysms

Thanks to such a study, it is possible to determine the gestational age, fetal weight and expected date of birth, and see deviations in the development of the fetus. Another area of application of ultrasound is mammology. This is the science that deals with diseases of the mammary glands. The fact is that a breast examination by a doctor cannot give a complete picture. Ultrasound provides a more accurate diagnosis.

This method helps in monitoring the treatment of various neoplasms in the mammary gland (cysts, tumors), and allows you to track the effectiveness of treatment. Ultrasound is a very informative research method. In many cases, it can replace several other, more traumatic or harmful studies.

In what cases is ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck performed:

If you complain of headaches, sudden loss of consciousness;
For dizziness associated with turning the head;
With noise in the head and ears;
During episodes of sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, speech impairment;
For vertebrobasilar insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, transient ischemic attack, stroke;
In the presence of vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, angina pectoris, heart attack and other chronic diseases;
Patients with excess body weight;
When cholesterol levels increase;
With changes in the blood coagulation system;
If there is a suspicion of difficulty in venous outflow from the cranial cavity;
Doppler ultrasound of the head and neck vessels is used as a screening study to assess atherosclerotic lesions of the blood vessels of the brain and heart;
If the patient is over 40 years old, if relatives have heart attacks, strokes, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis;
In addition, Doppler ultrasound is used to assess the effectiveness of treatment and to determine indications for surgery.

Using this type of study, the growth of follicles in the ovaries and the process of ovulation are monitored. Endometrial pathology can be identified: hyperplasia and polyps. Ultrasound examination also allows for timely diagnosis of cancer.

Under what circumstances can ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck and head be prescribed?

Regular ultrasound examination of the brachiocephalic region is recommended for everyone. If the patient has certain symptoms, such as severe headache, loss of consciousness, noise in the head and ears, speech impairment, numbness in the limbs, weakness, etc., the doctor prescribes an ultrasound scan of the vessels of the head and neck.

Such diagnostics, for the most part, are vital and for this reason mandatory to identify the presence of cerebrovascular insufficiency, accompanied by loss of visual fields, weakness in the limbs, loss of consciousness, dizziness and other symptoms.

In addition, the indications for conducting the above study are the following:

absence or asymmetry of pressure and pulse in the hands;
the presence of risk factors for atherosclerotic development - increased levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood,
smoking,
overweight,
high blood pressure and so on;
arterial hypertension, especially chronic;
suffered a stroke or heart attack, pain in the calf muscles while walking;
presence of pulsating formations in the neck area; data regarding diseases of close relatives with strokes,
heart attacks and diabetes;
epileptic seizures.

At the present stage, Dopplerography (so-called duplex) examination is used to diagnose neck vessels. With its help, you can “examine” a vessel from different angles, examine its walls in detail, changes in diameter, lumen and many other indicators.

How is the research going?

Preparing for an ultrasound is quite simple. To do this, the patient should free the study area from clothing and jewelry and lie on his back on a specially prepared couch. In order to ensure close contact of the device sensor with the skin, a gel is applied to the examination area. The scanning process lasts no more than 45 minutes and the procedure is completely painless.

During a transcranial ultrasound examination, the sensor is placed in the area of the temporal bone, the back of the head or above the orbit. To diagnose large vessels in the neck area, a special cushion is placed under the patient’s head to obtain more accurate results.

Then, after installing the ultrasound sensor, the specialist studies the constantly changing images of sections of the object of study displayed on the monitor. Unusual sounds emanating from the device's speaker accompany the measurement of blood flow.

All information obtained during the scanning process is recorded by the device and stored in the patient’s electronic database. Immediately after completion, the specialist can comment on the results of the diagnostic examination to the patient, but the conclusion of the ultrasound scan will be made only by the doctor who referred for the examination.

A special transparent gel is applied to the skin of the area being examined, which is necessary to ensure close contact between the skin and the ultrasound sensor of the device.

Having installed the ultrasound sensor in a certain position, the doctor examines continuously changing images (“slices”) on the monitor. During the examination, you may hear unusual sounds from the ultrasound machine's speaker, which are caused by the measurement of blood flow in the blood vessel.

Ultrasound scanning of cerebral vessels is performed through the so-called “ultrasound window” located 2-3 cm above the zygomatic arch. The temporal bone absorbs ultrasonic signals to the least extent, which makes it possible to study the speed of blood flow through the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries.

Once the ultrasound examination is complete, the gel will be wiped off from your skin. The examination is painless and does not exceed 45 minutes. Immediately after the examination, you can begin your normal lifestyle. The data is checked section by section, sequentially.

Each segment has its own parameters, which are compared with the established norms of vascular ultrasound, according to special tables. A separate interpretation of the ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck includes the following values:

pulsation and resistive indices,
artery wall thickness,
diameter,
degree of stenosis,
nature of blood flow,
linear blood flow velocity

The information obtained during the study is entered into the patient’s electronic database and a printed copy is provided to him. In addition, the identified changes are recorded on thermal paper in the form of small pictures and given to the patient.

Carrying out the procedure

Usually the conclusion is issued immediately after the end of the study. The ultrasound doctor interprets the results, he can also discuss the results with you, but the final word remains with the doctor who referred you for the ultrasound.

Most ultrasound examinations are non-invasive (no needle or injection) and are usually painless. Ultrasound is widely available and less expensive than other imaging modalities.

No ionizing radiation is used during ultrasound. Ultrasound scans provide a clear picture of soft tissue that is not visible on x-ray images. Ultrasound examination is carried out in real time. Standard diagnostic ultrasound studies did not reveal any harmful effects on humans.

Ultrasound is one of the tools used to diagnose vascular disease, but it does not replace angiography, including angiography performed on a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scanner, which may be needed to clarify the diagnosis.

Small vessels are more difficult to evaluate with ultrasound than larger vessels. In some cases, the bones of the skull do not allow for a full examination of the vessels of the head; Calcifications that occur in blood vessels as a result of atherosclerosis can interfere with the passage of the ultrasound beam.

The diagnostic value of ultrasound, as well as other diagnostic methods (X-ray, mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, etc.) is directly proportional to good equipment and the professionalism of the doctor. No special preparation is required to perform vascular ultrasound. The examination is carried out on a couch in a lying position; it is necessary to remove jewelry and all clothing from the head and neck.

Ultrasound data is assessed taking into account the clinical picture; the doctor can study the medical history and ask about complaints before the study. A special gel is applied to the scalp and neck to ensure closer contact with the skin of the ultrasound transducer. Doppler ultrasound of the cerebral vessels is done through an “ultrasound window”, which is located 2-3 cm above the zygomatic arch.

The temporal bone does not absorb sound signals well, so through the “window” in the temporal part it is possible to study the speed of blood flow through the cerebral arteries: anterior, posterior and middle. During the examination, unusual sounds are heard from the speaker of the device, which are reproduced while measuring the flow of blood passing through the vessels.

After completion of the study, the gel is removed from the skin. The research time does not exceed 45 minutes. The conclusion is issued immediately after the ultrasound examination; the final conclusions remain with the doctor who referred for the ultrasound. Information about detected changes is given to the patient in the form of small pictures on thermal paper.

Immediately after the study, the patient can begin his normal lifestyle. Standard ultrasound examination did not reveal any risk factors for humans. The advantages of ultrasound scanning are that it is performed in real time and gives an idea of the soft tissues.

During the examination, no ionizing radiation is used; ultrasound scanning is widely available at a reasonable price and is painless. At the same time, the bones of the skull in some cases do not make it possible to fully conduct a study of the vessels of the head. Calcifications that result from vascular sclerosis can also interfere.

It is difficult to assess the condition of small vessels using ultrasound. The value of ultrasound examination, like other diagnostic methods, depends on the equipment and professionalism of the doctor. Ultrasound does not replace angiography done on a computer or magnetic resonance imaging scanner, which may be needed to clarify the diagnosis.

What does ultrasound scan show?

The most common pathology detected by ultrasound of neck vessels is the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the lumen of the vessels. Since the symptoms of circulatory disorders, noticeable to the patient, develop only after blocking the lumen of the vessel by more than 60%, the process of formation of plaques and blood clots can proceed asymptomatically for a long time.

Plaques during ultrasound of neck vessels can be of various shapes and compositions. The researcher’s task is to describe in detail the composition of the plaque and its location.

Often atherosclerotic plaques disintegrate and blood clots form on them, which can completely block the lumen of the artery or break off, causing blockage of other, smaller vessels. These conditions often result in the development of a stroke (death of a section of brain tissue) due to acute cerebrovascular accident.

Stroke is a disease accompanied by high mortality (about 40%), and more than half of people who have had a stroke become disabled. Recently, strokes have been developing in people at increasingly younger ages (up to 60 years).

Factors contributing to the development of cerebral stroke: smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, excess body weight, female gender, the presence of a similar disease in blood relatives.

If such factors are present in a person, he needs to undergo a study of the vessels of the neck as early as possible. It is also necessary to undergo a study of the vessels of the neck if you are worried about dizziness, chronic headaches, problems with coordination, memory and speech.

Rare cases that are diagnosed by ultrasound of the vessels of the neck include dissection of the wall of the carotid artery - detachment of its section with subsequent thrombosis.

Mandatory information obtained from ultrasound of neck vessels is a study of the volume of blood that flows through all neck vessels to the brain per unit time. Adequate blood supply to the brain is the main factor that is taken into account when assessing the pathology of cerebral circulation.

To do this, add up the volumetric blood flow velocity in all four vessels supplying the brain, namely in the internal carotid arteries and in the vertebral arteries on both sides. A correctly conducted study approaches the accuracy of the results obtained from positron emission tomography.

Ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the head and neck is done to evaluate the functional characteristics of the vessels responsible for supplying the brain with blood enriched with oxygen and nutrients:

vertebral arteries and veins,
two carotid arteries (common and internal),
basilar artery,
anterior and internal jugular veins,
subclavian artery and vein

Normally, in a healthy person, about 15% of the blood that the heart pumps per minute ends up in the vessels of the brain. Using ultrasound of the neck vessels, you can very accurately calculate exactly how much blood enters the brain.

Thanks to the use in clinical practice of the informative method of Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck, diagnostic specialists conduct research, as a result of which:

The vertebral arteries and venous blood flow of the vessels of the neck are studied,
A quantitative assessment of the blood flow velocity of the main arteries is carried out,
The state of blood flow in the vessels is assessed - hemodynamics,
Aneurysms are detected in the vessels of the brain,
The root causes of headaches, the appearance of vasospasm and increased intracranial pressure are determined,
The condition of the vessel wall is assessed, characterized by its integrity, echogenicity, thickness of the inner and middle membranes,
Stenosis, degree of narrowing, patency (lumen diameter) of blood vessels are diagnosed,
The geometry of blood vessels is studied,
The condition of early vascular disorders is assessed,
Possible vascular lesions resulting from previous diseases or congenital defects are identified,
The condition of the tissues surrounding the arteries and veins, the reason for their effect on the vessels and much more are studied.

The range of ultrasound examinations with duplex scanning of the vessels of the head and neck is quite wide. The use of this technique has made it possible to reduce the time required to diagnose diseases that previously took months to identify.

Among other things, for a more in-depth study of the condition of the cerebral vessels, an ultrasound scan of the vessels of the head and neck with functional tests is performed, which uses special loads on the body:

Rhythmic light flashes

Stimuli of the vestibular apparatus,

Sound stimuli

Repeated (frequent) blinking

To determine a possible conflict between the vessel and the vertebra, a functional test is performed - turning the head. This allows you to determine if a vessel is pinched or pinched. Thanks to special stimuli, the localization, hemodynamic significance of stenoses and pathological tortuosity of blood vessels are most accurately determined.

Examination of children

Ultrasound examination can be performed on a child, regardless of his age. Doppler sonography is indicated even for newborn children, especially if the mother had a difficult or prolonged labor and there is a possibility of birth injuries to the head, soft tissues or spine.

The child does not need to do any preliminary preparation during this examination. The studies are carried out through the natural openings of the head - the fontanelles, and the results, as a rule, with a high degree of accuracy make it possible to determine the state of the brain and the degree of its trauma when passing through the birth canal.

Results of ultrasound of neck vesselsMoreover, today this method of ultrasound of the head and brain is considered mandatory in the first days of life in infants. This is how it is possible to promptly diagnose brain diseases and injuries to the blood vessels of the head, neck and spinal column, as well as soft tissues in children.

If birth injuries occurred at the birth of the baby, then the child requires timely assistance to prevent the manifestation of cerebral palsy and intracranial pressure. All these conditions can be successfully corrected with modern drugs, but provided that treatment is started on time and atrophic processes do not affect large nerves and soft tissues.

Ultrasound of the neck, as well as the head, takes place in an atmosphere that is comfortable for the baby. The devices do not make loud sounds, and the gel from an experienced ultrasound technician will always be warm. If the baby is too nervous, then the examination can be carried out by examining the child in the mother’s arms. However, such a need arises very rarely, since ultrasound examination is a completely painless and safe procedure. Every mother should do an ultrasound of her child’s blood vessels.

It is better to notice the disease in a timely manner and prevent dangerous consequences when the process is running. Ultrasound examination can also be performed during pregnancy to detect congenital malformations of the fetus. Even in utero, the important vessels of the baby’s neck and head, as well as internal organs, will be clearly visible. Visualization of fetal soft tissue is no different from that of an adult.

Sometimes the situation may be such that the unborn baby will need qualified help in the first hours of life. Identifying such pathologies during pregnancy provides a huge advantage: doctors can provide timely assistance, carry out the necessary surgical correction and save the baby’s life. Even in this case, Doppler ultrasound is completely safe for the mother and will not cause any harm to the unborn child.

It is difficult to imagine modern medicine without unique ultrasound equipment, the presence of which in clinics allows us to speed up the process of identifying pathologies. Ultrasound examination devices occupy a place of honor in almost every medical institution.

They significantly expand diagnostic capabilities:

quick confirmation of the diagnosis of appendicitis;
visual analysis of the fetal condition and monitoring of intrauterine development;
detection of kidney pathologies;
examination of the penis and testicles;
assessment of the prostate gland;
bladder dynamics, etc.

Ultrasound is aimed not only at identifying signs of pathology, but also the causes of its occurrence. These studies are evaluated in conjunction with clinical indications. Ultrasound examination has obvious advantages:

Affordable equipment, which makes it possible to equip every clinic;
No radiation exposure;
Simplicity and convenience of examination in technical terms;
Painless procedure (performed without the need for an incision or injection);
Excellent visualization of soft tissues (which cannot be said about an x-ray);
No harm to the body, which allows you to use it as needed;
Timely diagnosis of acute pathologies without the use of other diagnostic methods

An obvious disadvantage of such a study is the limited scope of diagnostics. It is worth noting that the device produces a non-specific image, so the accuracy of diagnosis depends on the experience of the specialist who examines the patient. In general, ultrasound is a reliable and convenient research method that takes a few minutes and does not require prior preparation.

Equipment for research

Among all the diagnostic equipment in medicine that has the ability to visualize the internal organs of a person, ultrasound equipment occupies an honorable place - it is widespread, provides reliable data, can be used for diagnostics in any field of medicine and shows results that are convenient and easy for a specialist to read.

According to the technical level, which determines the quality of the diagnostic information obtained, ultrasound machines are divided into four main groups:

Simple ultrasound scanners.
Ultrasound devices of medium technical class.
Ultrasound scanners with advanced capabilities.
High-end ultrasound machines (also called high-end).

Simple ultrasound scanners are usually portable devices. The number of reception and transmission channels in them is usually no more than 16. Mid-range ultrasound machines often have 32 reception and transmission channels. Ultrasound devices of a higher class most often have up to 64 reception and transmission channels. Very often these are devices with color Doppler mapping.

At the time of ultrasound examination, full contact of the device’s sensors with the patient’s body at the micro level must be ensured. For these purposes, special gels are used. The usual composition of the gel: glycerin, sodium tetraborate, styrene copolymer with maleic anhydride, purified water.

To perform research, a disposable or reusable biopsy tip can be used. Such attachments are most often attached directly to the body of the ultrasonic sensor. The biopsy attachment for the ultrasound sensor can have either a fixed or variable needle insertion angle. In the latter case, a device called a puncture adapter is used.

In this case, a special multi-angle attachment is used for the ultrasound sensor, and the sensor itself is positioned strictly perpendicular to the area under study. The puncture adapter for the ultrasound sensor must be selected taking into account the manufacturer and even the specific model of the sensor. During examination, the biopsy needle is inserted manually, and ultrasound equipment helps to more accurately determine the position of the needle in relation to the organ being examined.

Ultrasound devices of a high technical class have channels, as a rule, 64 or more - for example, 512. These are modern high-tech devices with color Doppler, as well as the ability to process information using a digital system. High-end ultrasound machines are sometimes called digital systems or digital platforms.

Universal ultrasound machines are divided into three groups according to their operating modes:

Ultrasound scanners. These devices are designed for two-dimensional acoustic imaging of ultrasound results in black and white.
Ultrasound scanners with spectral Doppler. These devices in the medical environment are sometimes called duplex devices. Unlike simple ultrasound scanners, these devices have additional functions - using the Doppler method they can estimate the speed of blood flow.
Ultrasound machines with color Doppler mapping. These ultrasound scanners are also called color Doppler ultrasound machines. This group of devices is characterized by the presence of the maximum number of functions. Having all the modes of an ultrasound scanner with spectral Doppler, these devices have the ability to display a two-dimensional distribution of blood flow velocity and highlight them in color on a gray two-dimensional image of tissue.
Echoophthalmometer. This is an ultrasound device that is used in ophthalmology. Used to visualize all structures and tissues of the eye. The device produces results in the form of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional image.
Ultrasound machines for research inside blood vessels. This group of devices is not very extensive - these ultrasound machines are produced quite rarely and are not available in all clinics.
Ultrasound machine echoencephaloscope

Universal and specialized ultrasound machines have different functions. Ultrasound scanners can also have the ability to connect various ultrasound sensors, additional devices and devices to them, which complements their functions and expands the possibilities of use in a particular field of medicine.