Stroke prevention - Tests to check your carotid arteries

Stroke prevention

Tests to check narrowing in your carotid arteries

Doctors can use any of these tests to measure the blockage in your

carotid arteries
Carotid arteries are large blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the front of your brain. The carotid arteries travel through your neck on the way to your head. You can feel the pulse in your carotids if you press the tips of your fingers in the space under your jawbone and back towards your ears, but don't press too hard because you might faint.

carotid arteries (the

arteries
Arteries are the blood vessels that take blood that is rich in oxygen and food away from your heart. The arteries carry this blood to all the tissues in your body.

arteries that bring blood to your brain).

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create an image of the arteries in your head and neck.
A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), done with an

MRI scan
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine uses a magnetic field to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures allow doctors to look at parts of the body in three-dimensional images.

MRI scanner, uses magnetic fields to create a computerized picture of your arteries.
An intra-arterial angiogram uses

X-ray
X-rays are pictures taken of the inside of your body. They are done by passing very small amounts of radiation through your body and onto film. X-rays can also be used as a treatment, such as in radiation therapy for cancer.

X-rays. The doctor puts a dye into the arteries in your neck through a small tube inserted in your leg. When the dye enters your arteries, the shape of the inside of your arteries can show up on an X-ray film.

This information was last updated on May 12, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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