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Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography

Bedside ultrasound assessment of intracranial arterial blood flow without radiation or contrast.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography?

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography insonates intracranial arteries through acoustic windows (transtemporal, transorbital, suboccipital) to measure systolic, diastolic and mean velocities and pulsatility indices.

Major clinical indications include detection and monitoring of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (most established), screening for stroke risk in pediatric sickle cell disease (annual TCD reduces stroke risk by over 90% with transfusion therapy), brain death confirmation, intraoperative monitoring during carotid endarterectomy, and right-to-left shunt detection.

TCD is rapid, repeatable, bedside-applicable, and avoids radiation and contrast. It complements CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography in critical care settings.

Symptoms

Indications: vasospasm monitoring after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Pediatric sickle cell disease screening
Brain death confirmation
Intraoperative carotid surgery monitoring
Right-to-left cardiac shunt detection
Cerebral autoregulation testing
Embolic monitoring in atrial fibrillation

Risk Factors

Recent subarachnoid hemorrhage
Sickle cell disease (especially children)
Severe traumatic brain injury
Carotid endarterectomy candidate
Cryptogenic stroke
Suspected brain death
Atrial fibrillation

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Suspected vasospasm in critical care
  • Pediatric sickle cell disease (annual TCD)
  • Brain death evaluation
  • Pre-carotid surgery assessment
  • Cryptogenic stroke workup (PFO suspicion)
  • Need for non-invasive intracranial flow assessment

Treatment Methods

01
Performed by trained sonographer or neurologist
02
Patient supine with head turned for optimal window
03
Insonation of all major intracranial arteries
04
Reporting of velocity, pulsatility index, asymmetry
05
Trend analysis with daily examinations
06
Combined with clinical and imaging findings
07
Therapeutic decisions for vasospasm management

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.