Diagnostic Testing/Cardiac/Transcranial Doppler

Transcranial Doppler ultrasound

Transcranial Doppler in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Transcranial Doppler in Tunis: measures blood flow in the brain arteries using ultrasound through the temples, without X-rays.

Request a Quote +216 36 402 034

What is it?

Transcranial Doppler measures the speed of blood flow in the large arteries at the base of the brain. The ultrasound passes through the areas where the skull bone is thinnest, mainly at the temples. It is often combined with a study of the neck arteries (carotid Doppler). Depending on the referral, it is performed by a cardiologist, an angiologist (a doctor specialising in blood vessels) or a radiologist. In children with sickle cell disease, it is the usual screening test: it identifies children whose brain arteries are at risk, so that prevention can be adapted. It is also used to monitor the brain arteries after a subarachnoid haemorrhage, or to complete the work-up of a stroke. In some cases, the doctor may look for an abnormal passage between the two sides of the heart (a shunt, for example a patent foramen ovale): a liquid containing tiny microbubbles is injected into a vein in the arm, and the machine detects whether they reach the brain arteries.

When is it prescribed?

Sickle cell disease in children

It regularly screens children at risk of stroke, so that suitable prevention can be put in place.

After a subarachnoid haemorrhage

It monitors a temporary narrowing of the brain arteries (vasospasm) that can occur in the following days.

Stroke work-up

It completes the study of the neck arteries by assessing blood flow in the brain arteries.

Looking for a shunt (in some cases)

With a microbubble test, it can help look for an abnormal passage between the heart chambers, alongside a heart ultrasound.

Preparation

1Clean hair, without gel or oil, for good contact at the temples

2No fasting or special preparation is needed, unless you are told otherwise when booking

3For a child: bring a toy or a book, as they need to stay calm and still

4Bring a list of your medicines, especially blood thinners; do not stop them without medical advice

5Bring your referral, previous tests (Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, angiography) and any relevant reports

How the exam is performed

You lie on your back with your head supported

Gel is applied to the temples, sometimes to the back of the head or over the closed eyelids

The doctor angles the probe to find each artery and measures the blood flow speed

You may hear a rhythmic whooshing sound: this is the sound of blood flowing, picked up by the Doppler

For a shunt test: a small drip is placed in your arm and the microbubble liquid is injected; you may be asked to strain while holding your breath

The gel is wiped off at the end; you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 20 to 45 minutes

Results

The doctor performing the test (cardiologist, angiologist or radiologist, depending on the referral) analyses the images and measurements during the examination, then writes a report. The report is given to you and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Risks and side effects

No X-rays: Doppler ultrasound uses only ultrasound waves

No injection, except for the shunt test (microbubble liquid, usually well tolerated)

Painless

In some people, the temple bone lets little ultrasound through: the test may then be incomplete

These risks remain rare. Your physician will explain them in detail before the exam.

Request a quote

Request your quote online or call us on the number below:

Request a Quote +216 36 402 034

At a glance

Duration: About 20 to 45 minutes

Preparation: Required

Other exams

Resting ECG Exercise ECG Holter ECG Blood pressure Holter Cardiac ultrasound

All exams