Carotid Artery Ultrasound
This Doppler scan assesses narrowing and blood flow in the carotid arteries in your neck.
What the exam evaluates
- Blood flow through the carotid arteries
- Plaque buildup or narrowing (stenosis)
- Changes compared with prior imaging, when available
Common reasons for this exam
- Follow-up of known carotid narrowing or a prior carotid procedure, when ordered.
- Assessment when a clinician finds a specific reason to suspect carotid disease.
Approximate duration
Most exams take about 20 to 30 minutes once approved. You can typically return to normal activities immediately afterward.
What to expect
The sonographer applies gel and moves a handheld probe over your skin. You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath. Pressure over a tender area can be uncomfortable; tell the sonographer so they can adjust. Ultrasound uses sound waves, with no ionizing radiation. You can usually resume normal activities afterward.
How to prepare
Follow your appointment instructions
- This exam must be scheduled at least three days in advance so the appropriate sonographer can be available.
- Fasting is generally unnecessary. Wear an open-collared top and remove necklaces.
- Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area being scanned. Bring earlier imaging reports and your order, if available.
- Continue prescribed medicines unless your clinician gives different instructions. Tell the team about pain, limited mobility, or positioning needs.
Understanding your results
- Routine screening of adults without symptoms is not recommended by the USPSTF: harms can outweigh benefits.
- A carotid scan does not measure every cause of stroke risk or replace a brain or heart evaluation.
What happens next?
A radiologist interprets the images. Review the report and any recommended next steps with your clinician. The sonographer may not be able to give a diagnosis during the appointment. Persistent symptoms still need follow-up even when the scan is normal.
When to seek care sooner
New facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or sudden loss of vision requires 911, even if symptoms go away.
Sources & further reading
This patient summary draws on published clinical literature and professional guidance. Patient resources are identified separately below. Preparation also depends on your specific order and the collecting laboratory or imaging team.
- Screening for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: USPSTF Recommendation Statement
JAMA, 2021
- Vascular Ultrasound: Patient Information
RadiologyInfo (ACR/RSNA patient resource)
Content updated October 11, 2026. General education; individual advice comes from your care team.
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A note on what we are. Palmetto Preventive provides non-emergency outpatient diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. We are not an emergency department, urgent care center, hospital, or a substitute for emergency evaluation, and we are not a longitudinal primary-care practice. If you are experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical care or call 911.
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