Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Ultrasound Testing: What to Expect

Your brain controls nearly all of your body’s functions, from your emotions and five senses to your ability to move well and think clearly. Without proper blood flow to and within the organ, all aspects of brain function can suffer.

Thankfully, you don’t need to go “under the knife” for a medical specialist to get a sense of what’s happening in your brain. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasounds use sound waves to capture images of the inner brain blood flow.

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, offer noninvasive ultrasounds to help better customize your treatment plan and promote positive outcomes.

Here, Dr. Elyaderani explores the basics of TCD ultrasounds, including what to expect during your own.

Reasons for a TCD ultrasound

Transcranial Doppler ultrasounds measure blood flow within and to your brain. This makes it very useful for diagnosing and monitoring a range of vascular conditions, such as:

• Atherosclerosis
• Cerebral aneurysm
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Heart embolism
• Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini stroke”
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Vasospasms

TCD ultrasounds can also help assess your risk for a stroke associated with sickle cell anemia, as well as pressure changes within your skull. After a serious brain injury or accident, the test may be used to confirm brain death.

What to expect during a TCD ultrasound

During your TCD ultrasound, you’ll either lie on your back on a padded table, with your head on a pillow, or sit on a chair. Once you’re situated, your provider will apply a special gel on your eyelids, under your jaw, and at the bottom of your neck. 

From there, a wand (transducer) that emits sound waves is moved over the testing area while you keep your head still. The sound waves pass through your body, bouncing off your brain and blood vessels. 

Meanwhile, a computer finds patterns created by the sound waves and produces an image for Dr. Elyaderani to analyze. 

In all, you can expect your ultrasound to take 30-60 minutes. The test isn’t painful and shouldn’t cause any discomfort.

What happens after a TCD ultrasound

Once your transcranial Doppler ultrasound is complete, Dr. Elyaderani will look over your results and discuss them with you. You can return home the same day, driving yourself if you wish. 

Based on the ultrasound, symptoms, and diagnosis, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan. If needed, Dr. Elyaderani will order additional tests as well. He may recommend additional ultrasounds down the road to ensure that your treatment stays on track. 

To learn more about transcranial Doppler ultrasound testing or get started with the care you need, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.