- uses low-frequency U/S to evaluate flow velocity in cerebral vessels
Why might you order a transcranial doppler?
- evaluation of basal cerebral arteries
- finding spasms intercranially
- evaluating the patency of the MCA (you would look for this in patients with carotid stenosis)
What the upside to transcranial dopplers?
- no radiation
- fast
- non-invasive
- can evaluate the circle of willis/intercranial carotids
What is the downside?
- the outcomes is dependent on the person doing the test - skill and bias can play a role
Transcranial Doppler Video (a little old school - but good information)
Pic source: http://spencertechnologies.com
Source: Ferri's Best Test: A practical guide to clinical lab and medicine diagnostic imaging, Fred Ferri
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