Doppler ultrasound (USD) of the vessels of the head and neck. Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck Which parts are available for examination?

Ultrasound of head vessels and neck– a non-invasive diagnostic method that visualizes the carotid and vertebral arteries, neck veins, and main arteries of the brain. Used in the diagnosis of vascular atherosclerosis, stroke, stenosis, thrombosis, embolism. Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck consists of several procedures: transcranial Dopplerography, ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the head, ultrasound scanning and ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the neck. The cost depends on the volume of studies and the mode used (vascular duplex, Doppler sonography).

Preparation

Special preparation for ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck is not required. General recommendations before scanning are as follows:

The day before the examination, you should give up coffee, strong tea, alcoholic and energy drinks.
Do not smoke two hours before the procedure.
Warn your doctor about taking medications that affect vascular tone (hypotensive, vasoconstrictor).

What does it show

Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck visualizes the condition of the arteries and veins located outside and inside the skull, along the brain stem and cervical spinal cord. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound determines the patency of the veins and arteries of the head. Duplex examination of the vessels of the head reveals the speed of blood flow and the cause of vascular obstruction. Doppler ultrasound of the neck vessels provides information about the blood flow of the basilar, vertebral and carotid arteries. With ultrasound scanning of the cervical vessels, the structure of the arterial and venous chains is visualized, and the speed of venous outflow and blood flow through the basilar artery is determined.

Normally, the thickness of the artery walls is 0.9-1.1 mm, the diameter of the vertebral artery is no more than 2 mm, the lumen of the vessels is free, there is no turbulent blood flow and vascular branches, the speed of blood flow in the veins is 0.3 m/s (small deviations are acceptable) . Using ultrasound, the following pathologies are detected:

Atherosclerosis. With non-stenotic atherosclerosis of the artery, an increase in the walls, uneven echogenicity, and a narrowing of the lumen by 20% or less are detected. Another characteristic sign of atherosclerotic lesions is the irregular course of blood vessels, the presence of tortuosity and kinks.
Vascular stenosis. The key manifestation of vascular stenosis is a decrease in the diameter of veins and arteries, and narrowing of the lumens.
Presence of blood clots. Ultrasound determines the presence of plaques and blood clots. With complete obstruction of the vessel there is no lumen, with partial obstruction it narrows (the doctor assesses the degree of narrowing).
Anomalies of vascular development. With congenital anomalies of cerebral vessels, a change in their course, the presence of pathological tortuosity, branches of small vessels in the pathological area are determined.
Vasculitis. Vasculitis is characterized by impaired differentiation of the layers of the wall and changes in echogenicity.

The results of vascular ultrasound diagnostics are not used in isolation when making a diagnosis. Their interpretation is carried out taking into account the anamnesis, clinical picture and laboratory data. Often, ultrasound is the primary stage of imaging and requires supplementation with MRA results.

Advantages

Ultrasound remains the optimal diagnostic method in terms of the ratio of information content and cost of the procedure. It has virtually no contraindications, is safe and painless, and can be used to examine all categories of patients: newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and somatically weakened people. Compared to MRA, REG or CT, sonography has a lower cost, but does not always provide a complete image of the vessel and determine the factors of obstruction. The information content of the study is negatively affected by the presence of an obstacle to ultrasound waves in the form of bone tissue.

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 determined:

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 contacting 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; aged 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..

Diagnostics

High precision equipment
Modern research methods

Ultrasound of brain and neck vessels

Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck is a diagnostic procedure that allows you to assess the condition and function of the vessels responsible for blood supply in the head area: the main arteries of the brain, carotid arteries, vertebral and subclavian arteries and veins of the neck. Significant advantages of ultrasound of neck vessels are harmlessness for the patient (the study is not associated with exposure to radiation), painlessness (the procedure does not involve instrumental intervention and is non-traumatic), high information content, reasonable price, and the possibility of repeating the study many times if it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis.

Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck is indicated for patients with acute or chronic cerebrovascular accident; those who have undergone open or closed traumatic brain injury or neurosurgical intervention; patients with various types of pathology of the cervical spine (congenital disorders of posture, injuries of the cervical spine and intervertebral discs, osteochondrosis, etc.).

There are several types of ultrasound examination of blood vessels. The modern diagnostic base includes traditional ultrasound examination (direct ultrasound) and duplex scanning of blood vessels (doppler ultrasound). Traditional ultrasound allows you to determine and evaluate the geometry of blood vessels, their thickness and patency, and the diameter of the vessel lumen. Doppler ultrasound (USDG) makes it possible to assess the speed of blood flow in real time and identify various vascular patency disorders (the presence of vasoconstrictions, blood clots, atherosclerotic plaques).

Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck is indicated for the following group of patients:

patients with acute or chronic cerebrovascular accident;
patients who have suffered an open or closed craniocerebral injury;
patients who have undergone neurosurgical intervention.
patients with various types of pathology of the cervical spine (congenital disorders of posture, injuries of the cervical spine and intervertebral discs, osteochondrosis);
patients with identified chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, etc.);
patients with neoplasms (tumors) of various origins in the head and neck area.

An ultrasound scan of the vessels of the brain and neck is indicated if the patient has the following symptoms and conditions:

persistent headaches of unknown etiology;
systematic dizziness, darkening of the eyes;
repeated episodes of loss of consciousness;
noise in the head and ears;
sudden weakness, numbness and tingling in the limbs;
sudden disturbances in visual and speech function.

The study shows high efficiency in the early diagnosis of cerebral circulatory disorders, which allows for timely identification of the risk of stroke. The price of vascular ultrasound is quite acceptable and allows, among other things, routine preventive examination of patients with a hereditary predisposition to cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors (age over 40 years, smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels). blood, sedentary lifestyle, systematic stress).

Contraindications to ultrasound examination of the vessels of the brain and neck

The study actually has no contraindications, since it does not involve radiation exposure to the body.

Preparation for ultrasound of the blood vessels of the brain and neck

On the day of the study, the patient must stop taking all medications, with the exception of those that cannot be stopped even for a short period. It is necessary to discuss the possibility of interrupting medications with your doctor. Also, 2 hours before the procedure, you should stop drinking tea and coffee and refrain from smoking (caffeine and nicotine have a direct effect on the tone of blood vessels and can distort the results of the study). Before the examination, it is necessary to remove all jewelry from the head and neck.

At the Center, ultrasound of the blood vessels of the brain and neck is performed by appointment. After the procedure, the patient receives a photo and a detailed description made by a diagnostician.

Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck must be performed to fully evaluate them in order to recognize in the early stages or completely prevent a number of serious diseases. Ultrasound scanning of extracranial vessels is a safe ultrasound examination of blood flow in the vessels that supply blood to the brain. For the study, special sensors are used, with the help of which it is possible to determine the speed and direction of blood flow in the vessels.

What diagnostics shows: technical characteristics of the method

Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the head and neck includes ultrasound methods and the Doppler effect. During a conventional ultrasound examination, reflected waves create an image of the structure of the walls of blood vessels. The Doppler effect makes it possible to visually see the movement of blood through the vessels. Computing equipment allows you to combine the resulting images on a monitor to visually determine the shape and direction of the vessel, as well as provide a final visualization of the examined area in its entirety.

During the diagnostic study, the doctor will be able to diagnose the presence of cerebral aneurysms, determine the location of narrowing of blood vessels, and the condition of their walls. If thickening of the walls of the arteries and a decrease in their elasticity are detected, one can judge possible hypertension. The method will reveal increased intracranial pressure, which is the cause of severe headaches. Using ultrasound data, it is possible to diagnose any problems associated with the lack of normalization of brain nutrition (for example, stenosis).

In what situations is ultrasound ultrasound necessary?

Doppler ultrasound is in demand because it is more informative than other methods. Doppler ultrasound provides a detailed picture of the condition of the vessels of the head and neck. Let's take a closer look at the symptoms for which a patient may be prescribed an examination:

constant headaches (tinnitus),
disturbances in motor activity of muscle groups,
dizziness when turning the head, appearance of “spots” before the eyes,
sudden loss of consciousness (fainting),
weakness and numbness of the upper and lower extremities,
memory and thinking disorders,
painful lack of sleep (insomnia),
high blood cholesterol levels.

Direct indications for ultrasound examination

In addition to the above symptoms, there are direct indications for Doppler ultrasound. The examination must be carried out in case of diseases, the course of which is accompanied by damage to blood vessels and circulatory disorders. These diseases include: neurocirculatory dystonia, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, coronary heart disease, pathology of the jugular veins (thrombosis), atherosclerosis, abnormalities of the endocrine system (obesity and diabetes mellitus). Based on the results of the diagnostic study, doctors determine the progression of the disease and note the effectiveness of therapy.

Contraindications for diagnosis

Doppler ultrasound has no absolute contraindications, since this examination does not violate the integrity of tissues, does not have a negative effect on the body as a whole and does not cause side effects. The procedure is easy and painless, so it is suggested to be done not only for adults, but even for newborn children, in order to promptly detect a violation of the blood supply to the brain. The only problem arises only if the patient, for some reason, is unable to take the position necessary to carry out the diagnosis.

How to prepare for research

No special preparation is required before conducting the study. The procedure is recommended to be carried out in the morning. Before it, it is undesirable to consume foods that affect vascular tone (for example, strong tea, energy drinks or coffee), since they can distort the diagnostic results. A few days before the procedure, it is not recommended to take any drugs that affect cerebral circulation or antispasmodics. People who abuse tobacco products are prohibited from smoking on the day of the study. It is recommended to wait for the procedure to begin in the fresh air, and not in a stuffy room.

Important! If the patient takes any cardiac or vascular medications on an ongoing basis, it is important to consult with a specialist. There is a high probability that their use will have to be canceled for a while.

How to diagnose

To carry out the procedure, the patient must first remove clothing and jewelry in the area being examined. The examination is done in a comfortable environment, during which the patient is on a couch in a lying position with a soft cushion under his head. To introduce ultrasonic waves into the body, a special gel is applied to the area under study and the sensor. After the procedure, it can be easily washed off with water or a damp cloth.

When examining the cervical vessels, the sensor is placed against the lateral surface (next to the carotid artery); to assess the elasticity of the vessels, the doctor can press it on the skin several times. When examining the vessels of the head, the doctor uses areas in which the ultrasound signal more easily penetrates the bone tissue (these include the temple area and the occipital part). During the examination, you should not talk or move your head, as this may distort the results. To functionally assess the condition of the blood vessels, the doctor may ask you to close your eyes, hold your breath, or, on the contrary, breathe a little faster. After the examination, you can immediately begin your normal lifestyle.

Important! The examination takes no more than 50 minutes, and there is no discomfort or pain during the procedure.

Data decryption

The results of the study contain information about the lumens in the examined vessels and make it possible to determine the speed of blood movement. The picture on the monitor is not visually similar to the usual diagrams of vascular bundles, so only experienced specialists can decipher it. There are standards of indicators with which the results are compared. Normal indicators look like this:

The speed of diastolic blood flow in the area near the edge of the thyroid gland is the same for the external (ECA) and internal (ICA) branches.
The common carotid artery on the left side arises from the main artery, and on the right side from the brachiocephalic trunk (BCS).
The lumen of the vessels is free, atherosclerotic changes in the vessels are not detected.
Absence of turbulent blood flow (taking into account the absence of branches).
The internal branch of the carotid artery has no branches before entering the skeleton of the head.
A peripheral branch arises from the outer branch.
The internal branch of the common carotid artery has a single-phase waveform.
The external branch of the common carotid artery has a triphasic waveform.
The normal diameter of the vertebral arteries is no more than 0.04 cm.
The thickness of the vessel wall is no more than 0.11 cm.

Color duplex scanning of blood vessels: description of the method

Color duplex scanning of vessels (CDS) is a safe ultrasound method that includes the capabilities of several techniques: ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound and Color Doppler scanning. Such diagnostics allow doctors to study the anatomy of the vessels of the head and neck with 100% accuracy: to determine the presence of atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots, and to detect vascular deformations. With the help of color duplex scanning, it is possible to carry out timely diagnosis of atherosclerosis and hypertension in order to prevent the risk of possible complications.

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 ultrasound Dopplerography of the vessels of the head and neck (ultrasound Dopplerography) 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 - the reflection of a 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 blood vessel system of the studied area of the body or organ is created, showing places where there are difficulties and problems in the blood flow.

The ultrasound doppler 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 an integral part of a 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:

orbits (eye sockets) - cavities where the eyeballs are located;
temporal areas;
articulation of the cervical spine and the occipital bone.

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

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 - duplex scanning is used.

The main advantages of ultrasound scanning are:

high information content, independent of the type and size of the vessels being studied (main and small);
the ability to assess the compensatory capabilities of blood circulation in the area under study (the presence of collaterals - bypass paths 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 it for various conditions in patients of all ages.

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

Who needs a brain ultrasound?

Doppler ultrasound is used as an auxiliary diagnostic method when symptoms are detected in patients:

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

numbness of hands;
cases of sudden loss of 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 ultrasound scanning are occlusion (blockage), stenosis (narrowing) or deformation of extracranial (extracranial) arteries (carotid and vertebral), as well as intracranial (intracranial) arteries (antero-, mid- and post-cerebral).

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 preventive 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 treatment results for patients with cerebral vascular pathology.

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

after 45 years;
with heart rhythm disturbances;
with ischemic heart diseases;
suffering from obliterating lesions of the arteries of the lower extremities;
for kidney diseases;
survivors of myocardial infarction;
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 in case of pronounced 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.

Ultrasound scanning of the vessels of the head and neck is used in young children to identify intrauterine anomalies in the development of cerebral vessels (malformations) resulting from 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:

residual (residual) phenomena of perinatal encephalopathy;
suspicion of ;
delayed speech development;
psycho-emotional disinhibition;
inattention, poor memory;
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 start of the ultrasound ultrasound session, 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 an ultrasound examination of blood flow, simple techniques are used to identify the main vessels and study the function of the external carotid arteries: 8-10 branches of the external carotid arteries are pressed with a finger, a test is performed 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 diagnosing possible vascular pathology and choosing effective therapy.

Decoding the results

The ultrasound and TCD examination protocol includes the following components:

introduction (definitive part), which indicates the type of study and lists the examined vessels;
the statement-factual part, where the actual results obtained are noted - digital indicators and their interpretation, reactions to samples and other data;
interpretation and diagnostic part, which sets out the main results of the study;
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 settings of medical institutions, diagnostic centers and clinics.

The study is carried out by a doctor who is certified as an ultrasound diagnostic specialist and 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.