Uzdg of vessels of the head and neck. Dopplerography (UZD) of the vessels of the head and neck

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. Doppler ultrasound showing the vessels of the head and neck provides a unique opportunity to see a two-dimensional image circulatory system of the study area, 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 the monitor, after which the image internal environments the doctor studies. 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, the computer colors it red; if it moves in the opposite direction, it turns 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 undergoing infectious diseases;
• selection of optimal therapy for migraine to clarify the vasospasm factor;
• assessment of hemodynamics in the brain after organ transplantation;
• identifying causes poor circulation in the brain with spinal curvature, cervical osteochondrosis, compression of the vertebral arteries;
• status tracking cerebral blood flow during the surgical operations;
• detection of microembolism in patients with transient circulatory disorders.

Ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and head is prescribed by the doctor at the slightest suspicion of a change 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 tactics complex treatment 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 the 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) phenomena 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 of tissue integrity does not violate negative influence does not have any 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

For ultrasound examination of the neck and head special training not required. 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 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, apply a thin layer to the place of its attachment. special gel, 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 implementation ultrasonic 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 carry out 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 an ultrasound scan reveals results that are abnormal, this indicates the following diseases:

1. Stenosing atherosclerosis. Observed atherosclerotic plaques. 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.
2. 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%.
3. Temporal arteritis. Pathology is expressed by uniform diffuse thickening vascular walls, decreased echogenicity. If the disease is advanced, then atherosclerotic lesions are also present.
4. Vascular malformations. The patient has an abnormal vascular network that is 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.
5. 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

An ultrasound scan can be done 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

Early diagnosis of cerebral vascular lesions occupies a central place in solving the problem of cerebrovascular diseases, which are leading in the modern structure of morbidity and causes of death. Practice shows that the safest and most reliable study of cerebral circulation today is an ultrasound scan of the vessels of the head and neck ( Doppler ultrasound) and its variety – transcranial Dopplerography (TCDG).

Doppler ultrasound of the neck and head vessels is a modern non-invasive method for diagnosing the blood supply to the brain. Based on the Doppler effect - reflection sound wave from a moving object.

The sensor of the ultrasound device sends ultrasonic signals through the skin of the person being examined and measures the speed of reflection of waves from blood elements moving in the vessels.

In the process of computer processing of the received information, a two-dimensional image of the system is created blood vessels the area of ​​the body or organ being examined, showing places where there are difficulties and problems in the blood flow.

The USDG technique is a promising alternative to invasive studies - arteriography, angiography or venography, performed with the introduction of contrast agents into the blood followed by radiography.

Ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the neck and head is used to assess the state of arterial and venous circulation of the spinal cord, brain and other intracranial organs.

Types of ultrasound examination of blood vessels

The often occurring terminological confusion between the types of ultrasound examination is explained by the technical capabilities of the equipment and diagnostic purposes.

Actually Doppler ultrasound of blood vessels is a measurement of the direction and speed of blood movement in vessels without visualizing the vessels themselves.

Duplex (double) scanning, using the capabilities of standard ultrasound, allows you to obtain images of blood vessels, assess the condition of the walls, confirm or exclude the presence of vascular abnormalities: blood clots, aneurysms or atherosclerotic plaques. Determination of blood flow parameters: the speed and direction of blood movement through the vessels is integral part duplex study.

At triplex (triple) scanning vessels, the use of special computer programs makes it possible to expand visualization capabilities. By encoding information using color, the resulting image of blood vessels is colored depending on specified parameters (usually the direction and speed of blood flow).

Transcranial Dopplerography

It is known that bones are an insurmountable barrier to the passage of ultrasound. The fundamental difference between the technique invented in 1982 transcranial dopplerography (TCDG) is the possibility of non-invasive examination of intracranial arteries and veins.

When conducting transcranial Dopplerography of cerebral vessels, so-called acoustic “windows” are used - areas of the head where penetration of ultrasonic waves into the skull is possible.

Such places are:

1. orbits (eye sockets) – cavities where the eyeballs are located;
2. temporal areas;
3. joint cervical spine spine and occipital bone.

This diagnostic technology made a real splash in neurology, bringing the study to a new level vascular system brain.

The methods do not duplicate, but complement each other.

When studying the blood flow of the brain, ultrasound dopplerography (TCDG) is performed, and when studying the extracranial (extracranial) parts of the carotid and vertebral arteries - the study of the vessels of the neck - it is used duplex scanning.

The main advantages of ultrasound scanning are:

• high information content, independent of the type and size of the vessels being studied (main and small);
• possibility of evaluation compensatory possibilities blood circulation in the area under study (the presence of collaterals - bypass routes of blood flow in the event of compression or thrombosis of the main vessel);
• painlessness and safety for patients (non-penetrating nature and lack of radiation exposure);
• the versatility of the technique, which makes it possible to use various states in patients of all ages.

In addition, a valuable advantage of ultrasound scanning is the ability to assess hemodynamics in deep veins, identifying the cause of the disturbance of venous outflow from the cranial cavity in early stages diseases.

Who needs a brain ultrasound?

Ultrasound scanning is used as a helper method diagnostics when symptoms are detected in patients:

1. a sharp decrease in visual acuity,
2. asymmetry or absence of pulse in the radial arteries,
3. low pressure in the arteries upper limbs;
4. the presence of noise above the aortic arch during auscultation (listening).

The study is indicated when the patient has subjective complaints about:
• numbness of hands;
• cases sudden loss consciousness;
• noise or ringing in the head;
• migraine-like episodes;
• memory impairment;
• dyssomnia (sleep disorders);
• dizziness;
• flashing “flies” before the eyes;
• psycho-emotional disorders;
• hearing impairment.

Indications for ultrasound of the head and neck

The main medical indications for performing ultrasound examination are occlusion (blockage), stenosis (narrowing) or deformation of extracranial (extracranial) arteries (carotid and vertebral), as well as intracranial (intracranial) arteries (antero-, mid- and postcerebral).

In clinical practice, ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck and head is prescribed for:
• clarification of the degree of circulatory impairment after traumatic brain injury;
• identifying lesions of intracranial vessels at an early stage of insufficiency of blood supply to the brain;
• detection of cerebral vascular stenosis after neuroinfections (including influenza);
• clarification of the leading factor of vasospasm in migraine to select optimal therapy;
• diagnosis of cerebral (cerebral) circulation disorders in patients suffering from rheumatism and diabetes;
• clarifying the cause of the headache (vasospasm, increased intracranial pressure);
• assessment of hemodynamics in the brain of patients after organ transplantation;
• monitoring the state of cerebral circulation during surgical operations;
• identifying the cause of impaired blood supply to the brain in cervical osteochondrosis or;
• detection of microembolism (blockage) of cerebral vessels in patients with transient cerebral circulatory disorders.

In addition, ultrasound scanning of head and neck vessels is widely used for prophylactic purposes to identify early cerebrovascular lesions in individuals at risk of developing atherosclerosis and other vascular pathologies of the brain (smokers, those suffering from hypertension, physical inactivity and obesity).

The technique makes it possible to prevent the development of cerebral strokes, as well as to evaluate the dynamics of the results of treatment of patients with pathology of cerebral vessels.

Screening ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck and brain is indicated for persons:

1. after 45 years;
2. with heart rhythm disturbances;
3. c ischemic diseases hearts;
4. suffering from obliterating lesions of the arteries of the lower extremities;
5. for kidney diseases;
6. survivors of myocardial infarction;
7. with arterial hypertension.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications for Doppler ultrasound.

The examination is carried out at any age and condition of the patient. The procedure is non-invasive, absolutely painless, and has no consequences for the patient.

A relative contraindication to the study is the presence of a wound in the area where the sensor is installed. In addition, the procedure is difficult to perform if there is severe subcutaneous fat layer, peculiarities of the location of the vessel (under the bone), as well as in patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

When is the examination performed on children?

The safety and high information content of the method makes its use optimal in pediatrics.

Doppler ultrasound of head and neck vessels is used in children early age to identify intrauterine anomalies in the development of cerebral vessels (malformations) arising as a result of disembryogenesis (impaired formation of the fetal vascular network). In addition, the study is prescribed to newborns to verify the diagnosis of perinatal encephalopathy.

In older children, indications for ultrasound examination of the brain include:

1. residual (residual) phenomena of perinatal encephalopathy;
2. suspicion of ;
3. delayed speech development;
4. psycho-emotional disinhibition;
5. inattention, poor memory;
6. asthenic syndrome (increased fatigue, lethargy).

Preparation and conduct of the research procedure

No special preparation is required for the ultrasound examination; the examination is performed with the patient in the supine position, with a low pillow placed under the head. Before the ultrasound session begins, the patient is asked to relax and breathe calmly.

The research is carried out according to uniform methodological principles. Before starting the examination procedure, the doctor palpates (feels) the carotid arteries: determines the depth of the vessel, its mobility, and the strength of the pulsation.

During ultrasound examination of blood flow, simple techniques are used to identify great vessels and studying the function of the external carotid arteries: compress 8-10 branches of the external carotid arteries with a finger, perform a test with turns and tilts of the head to the right and left, forward and backward. Then the specialist studies the speed characteristics of blood flow through the vessels.

What does ultrasound scan show?

The ultrasound doppler technique provides the specialist with information for a complete and comprehensive assessment of the state of the blood supply to the brain based on data on:

• blood flow speed through the arteries supplying the brain;
• venous outflow from the cranial cavity;
• the degree of development of the collateral (reserve) network of brain vessels.

The technique allows you to identify tortuosity, bends or, as well as obtain data on the violation of vascular patency and its severity.

The results obtained are important for diagnosis possible pathology vessels and the choice of effective therapy.

Decoding the results

The ultrasound and TCD examination protocol includes the following components:

1. introduction (definitive part), which indicates the type of study and lists the examined vessels;
2. the statement-factual part, where the actual results obtained are noted - digital indicators and their interpretation, reactions to samples and other data;
3. interpretation and diagnostic part, which sets out the main results of the study;
4. the recommendatory-final part, where the diagnosis of the main lesions is formulated and recommendations are given taking into account the characteristics of the patient.

Where to get tested

Ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the neck and head is performed in outpatient setting medical and preventive institutions, diagnostic centers and clinics.

The study is carried out by a doctor certified as a specialist in ultrasound diagnostics, who has undergone special training in ultrasound and TCD.

Price

Cost of the “USDG of extracranial vessels” service:

• in medical centers in Moscow is in the range of 950 - 12,100 rubles. On average, the price of an ultrasound scan of the neck and head is 2800 rubles.
• in St. Petersburg – from 1200 rubles. up to 3500 rub.

Prices for the service “TCD of cerebral vessels”:

• in Moscow clinics range from 920 rubles. up to 10,000 rubles, averaging 2,600 rubles.
• in St. Petersburg – from 800 rubles. up to 6000 rub.

Ultrasound of head and neck vessels ? modern method diagnostics of blood flow in the vessels that supply blood to the brain. Ultrasound examination allows you to accurately assess the state of patency of extracranial vessels (extra cranial? vertebral and carotid arteries), and vessels that penetrate brain tissue (three types of arteries? anterior, middle, posterior).

It should be noted that the ultrasound procedure will not provide a complete image of the condition of the vessel and determine the ability to identify key factors of vascular obstruction. Ailments such as thrombosis, stenosis, spasms, and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques require additional procedures examination of the vascular system in the neck and head.

Indications for ultrasound of the brain and neck

• people who have problems with cerebral circulation (acute or chronic);
• patients who have suffered vascular injuries due to traumatic brain injury and neurosurgery);
• after toxic damage vessels;
• after diagnosing asymmetry or absence of pulse, blood pressure in the area of ​​the upper limbs (arms);
• with a pronounced murmur on the aortic arch;
• with sudden loss of vision;
• various range of pathologies of the cervical spine (after diagnosing osteochondrosis, injuries, congenital anomalies, poor posture) if there is a threat of compression of the vertebral artery and impaired blood supply to the spinal cord.

Ultrasound of brain and neck vessels, price which is optimal for patients of different financial capabilities - it is advisable to repeat the available ultrasound screening procedure from time to time for re-examination of patients with atherosclerosis and other pathologies of the blood vessels of the head. At risk vascular diseases brain there are people with bad habits(tobacco smoking), overweight, suffering from hypertensive and ischemic heart disease.

Ultrasound diagnostics allows early detection of disturbances in blood flow to brain tissue. Oxygen starvation tissue leads to worsening of the condition. A timely ultrasound will help prevent a cerebral stroke. Ultrasound screening is recommended for monitoring patients suffering from vascular pathologies and comparing the results of the condition of blood vessels after a course of treatment.

Ultrasound is provided to a specialist important information about cross-country ability arterial vessels, which are responsible for feeding the brain - the price of the data obtained is immeasurable. The doctor will be able to quickly identify disturbances in the outflow of blood from the cranial cavity, which can have fatal consequences. Based on the diagnostic results, the neurologist determines the degree of development of collateral and venous pathology. Ultrasound shows the branching of the vascular system, evidence of the presence of arteriovenous malformation and impaired vascular patency. The information obtained is important for the subsequent selection of effective therapy.

Preparing the patient for ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck

Despite the fact that ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck is an affordable procedure, the patient needs to take into account some nuances for maximum veracity of the result.

On the day of the procedure, it is advisable for the patient to:

• stop taking medications or limit them if taking them cannot be stopped due to the presence of other diseases;
• avoid drinking tea or coffee (caffeinated drinks);
• refrain from smoking cigarettes for two hours before the procedure.

It is important to follow these rules to avoid increased tone vessels.

To ensure accurate results, it is advisable to remove jewelry from the head and neck area.

Method of performing ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck

In the office near the device there is always a comfortable couch for the client to relax. The procedure should not cause discomfort or pain. The ultrasound specialist places the device's probe on the patient's skin to direct ultrasound to the area of ​​the blood vessels that require diagnosis.

If there is insufficient blood flow in the vessel, the Doppler effect will not be displayed on the device screen. Computer processing of digital data allows you to evaluate the graph of blood movement through the vessel in real time. Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck often includes additional functional tests:

• hyperventilation;
• finger pressure;
• finger pressure;

This helps to more accurately diagnose the mechanism of blood flow regulation.

For severely ill patients, the extended Doppler ultrasound procedure is used - ultrasound signals are converted into sound signals. After listening to the data, the specialist is able to accurately assess blood flow in the area of ​​the neck or head being examined. This will allow you to quickly identify blockage or narrowing of a vessel and determine the degree of disruption of blood transportation through the circulatory system.

The time for ultrasound diagnostics ranges from 30-45 minutes. Portable Dopplerography takes three times less time.

Contraindications to the ultrasound procedure of the vessels of the head and neck

There are no age restrictions for ultrasound. Ultrasonic waves are absolutely safe for humans. During long-term treatment vascular diseases, the procedure can be used several times in a row.

The procedure may be difficult to implement if the diseased vessel is closed by bone tissue or a large layer of subcutaneous fat. Difficulties in performing diagnostics using ultrasound waves arise in patients with arrhythmia and cardiac pathologies, in patients with slow blood flow.

The procedure cannot be carried out on areas of damaged skin - this makes it impossible to attach the device’s sensor. It is advisable to wait for healing and only then do an ultrasound.

Types of ultrasound

Exist different types Ultrasound procedures of head and neck vessels:

• Ultrasound examination of soft tissues
• ultrasound examination of the skin
• ultrasound examination of lymph nodes
• ultrasound examination of the salivary glands
• ultrasound examination of the pleural cavity
• echocardiography
• duplex scanning of the aorta
• duplex scanning of the brachiocephalic arteries with color Doppler mapping of blood flow
• duplex scanning of blood vessels thyroid gland and ultrasound examination of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Ultrasound Dopplerography of the vessels of the head and neck (Doppler ultrasound) is a diagnostic method that allows you to evaluate the vascular system of the relevant areas using ultrasound. Dopplerography gives an idea of ​​the state of blood flow.

Duplex scanning is more informative, thanks to which you can visualize the vessel, find out the exact cause of the impaired patency and see the vessels located in the cranial cavity. Most exact method– color duplex scanning (triplex).

Indications for Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound allows you to identify risk factors for stroke and select patients for therapeutic, surgical and catheter interventions. You can monitor the condition of the affected arteries responsible for the appearance of symptoms of cerebrovascular accident.

Such a study is indicated in the following situations:

• diseases of the heart and blood vessels: hypertonic disease, acute heart attack history of myocardium, hypotension;
• a significant difference in pressure on the hands, absence of a pulse on one of them;
• transient cerebrovascular accidents (transient ischemic attacks);
• frequent headaches, including migraines, tinnitus;
• vestibular disorders: dizziness, unsteadiness while walking;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• memory impairment, decreased concentration, poor sleep;
• decreased vision or temporary blindness in one eye;
• “flies” flashing before the eyes;
• high risk of developing atherosclerosis: obesity, high level cholesterol, diabetes, overweight, smoking;
• operations on neck vessels;
• pulsating formations in the neck;
• previously identified pathology for control purposes;
• convulsive syndrome;
• syncope (fainting);
• osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
• decreased sensitivity in the upper extremities.

Doppler sonography is not carried out in a situation where a person is unable to lie on his back long time for some reason.

Advantages and disadvantages of vascular ultrasound

Advantages over other methods

Examination of blood vessels using ultrasound is a fairly informative and safe diagnostic method. There is no radiation exposure to the patient. Portable devices are easy to use directly at the patient's bedside.

It is not difficult to determine the location of blood clots and the extent of the atherosclerotic process. You can monitor the condition of blood vessels and evaluate collateral circulation in real time. Already at the early stages it is possible to identify those changes that in the future may result in the development of a stroke.

This research method is available to absolutely everyone: most medical centers has the necessary equipment and specialists at its disposal. The price is quite reasonable.

Disadvantages of diagnostics

When examining small vessels of the brain, especially those located deep, it is difficult to assess their condition. Dense bone does not transmit ultrasound well. This occurs when the study is performed through the bones of the skull.

How the research is carried out

Preparation for vascular ultrasound

Before the procedure you cannot:

• smoke and drink alcohol;
• drink tonic drinks: tea, coffee, energy drinks;
• some medications(only with doctor's permission);
• abuse salty foods.

You need to come to the examination in a calm state.

Ultrasound scanning technique

The necessary equipment is an ultrasound scanner with appropriate functions and a special sensor. The patient is placed on his back, his head is tilted back and a cushion is placed under his neck. The head is turned to the side. After a gel is applied to the skin to ensure close contact with the sensor, the sensor itself is installed in this place.

Ultrasound of vessels located in the neck area is carried out in three planes: longitudinal anterolateral, longitudinal posterolateral and transverse. The sensor slowly moves along the neck in the projection of the vessels.

When examining the arteries and veins of the brain, three approaches can be used: the region of the temporal bone, the orbital and occipital region, where the foramen magnum is located.

If necessary, functional tests are performed.

What you can see and appreciate

An image of the vessels that the sensor is scanning at that moment appears on the monitor. You can determine the diameter of the vessel, the thickness of the wall and its condition. Blood clots, atherosclerotic plaques, vessel narrowing, aneurysms, congenital changes in arterial and venous system.

Doppler ultrasound records the spectrum of Doppler frequencies produced by the bloodstream. The screen displays a kind of graph in the form of waves, the nature of which depends on the intensity of echo signals at various Doppler frequencies from blood elements. Thanks to this study, it is possible to determine in which direction the blood flow moves and at what speed. Obstacles are detected that interfere with normal blood circulation.

The duration of the Doppler ultrasound procedure is on average 30 minutes, sometimes more. The result is given to you immediately.

Which departments are available for research?

Ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the head and neck is carried out in a certain sequence: the vessels of the neck, and then the vessels of the head.

Doppler ultrasound of neck vessels

Another name for the study of this department is ultrasound of the brachiocephalic vessels. The procedure allows you to assess the condition of both arteries and veins.

Doppler ultrasound of the brachiocephalic arteries is an assessment of the condition and blood flow in the vessels supplying the upper shoulder girdle, soft fabrics head and the brain itself. These include: brachiocephalic trunk, vertebral, subclavian, common carotid, external and internal carotid arteries. Any pathology of these departments can seriously affect a person’s health and lead to impaired cerebral circulation.

Doppler ultrasound for cervical osteochondrosis

Particular attention should be paid to the importance and value of ultrasound of the brachiocephalic vessels for changes in the cervical spine. The vertebral arteries pass between the processes of the vertebrae.

With osteochondrosis, a decrease in the lumen of the intervertebral canal and compression of the arteries by bone outgrowths, hernial protrusions, and spasmed muscles can be observed.

With such changes, the appearance of vertebral artery syndrome is likely, when severe headaches, dizziness with attacks of nausea and vomiting are noted. When turning the head, a person may lose consciousness. Timely diagnosis such changes help to avoid serious consequences.

Doppler ultrasound of cerebral vessels

It is carried out only after assessing the condition of the neck vessels. This is the so-called transcranial vascular Doppler ultrasound. The technique allows you to assess the condition of the brain matter, main arteries and veins, collateral circulation and identify signs of intracranial hypertension.

Ultrasound examination of the MAG (main arteries of the head) is highlighted separately, since the pathology of these very vessels often leads to fatal consequences. In essence, these are the same brachiocephalic arteries, but those parts of them that are located in the cranial cavity.

Several areas are used for research.

• Access through the orbit is necessary in order to assess the condition of the arteries supplying the eyes and other vessels in the adjacent area.
• Thanks to transtemporal access ( temporal bone) changes can be seen in the main cerebral arteries: anterior, middle, posterior and other large vessels. Intracranial hemorrhages (hematomas) are well detected.
• When examined through the foramen magnum, pathology of the vertebral arteries and veins can be detected.

A symptom like headache, 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 not dangerous to health and 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 instrumental method research based on determining blood flow speed. Thanks to this diagnostic procedure it is possible to identify how affected the arteries and veins are, the degree of narrowing of their lumen.

Dopplerography: the essence of the method

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

1. Speed ​​and direction of blood flow. Often, with pathologies of arteries and veins, it slows down or accelerates, and turbulence is observed.
2. Condition of blood vessels. Thanks to ultrasound, obturation of the lumen of arteries or veins with 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.