A carotid doppler is an ultrasound of the arteries in the neck which supply oxygen to the brain. Using sound waves we are able to see your carotid artery as well as the blood flow through this artery to detect the presence of plaque or narrowing of the vessel.

There are several reasons your doctor may have ordered a carotid doppler, including but not limited to: dizziness, fainting, strokes, mini-strokes (TIA's), or he may have heard an extra sound in the artery of the neck called a carotid bruit. It is important to identify significant obstruction to these arteries early, since data exists that blockages in these arteries can lead to stroke.