Ultrasound is a non-invasive examination of internal organs and body systems through ultrasound penetrating between tissues. Currently, it is extremely popular, as it is simple and informative. Ultrasound allows you to identify the disease at an early stage, to assess the condition of the fetus during pregnancy, to diagnose before urgent surgery.
One of the main advantages of ultrasound is safety. Ultrasonic waves do not harm the human body, so the method can be used even several times in one day. Pregnant, to exclude fetal pathologies, it is also carried out very often, because other research methods can harm the unborn baby.
In addition to ultrasound of internal organs, ultrasound of the spine and blood vessels is actively used. In our article, we will consider ultrasound of the cervical spine and blood vessels.
We do an ultrasound of the cervical spine
Ultrasound tells about the condition of soft tissues, cartilage, inter-articular fluids. With its help, you can notice the changes occurring in the disks of the spine. This makes it possible to timely identify dystrophic processes caused by a disease or age. In most cases, ultrasound of the cervical spine is no less informative than magnetic resonance imaging. But for the price, the latter procedure is much more expensive.
Ultrasound of the cervical spine provides important information. In particular, it shows:
- how the intervertebral discs feel;
- hernias and protrusions of the discs;
- stenosis (narrowing) of the intervertebral canals;
- abnormalities in the spine;
- degree of bending of the spine;
- spinal membrane and its condition.
Ultrasound of the cervical spine is indicated for:
- frequent pain in the head, radiating to the shoulder and arm, feeling dizzy;
- discomfort in the neck and chest, inability to freely rotate the neck;
- numbness of hands, face;
- osteochondrosis of the neck;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia, which causes changes in blood pressure due to scarce blood flow into the vessels of the head;
- decreased hearing and vision function;
- impaired mental performance.
The thing is that the neck can become the focus of many problems. It is connected with the head, therefore mental activity, hearing and vision, as well as a nervous state directly depend on its condition (which is why problems with it lead to neurosis and insomnia). However, this is far from all. Each cervical vertebra is associated with specific organs. For example, with a lesion of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), a person has a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. As a result, without knowing these nuances, we cannot fully restore our health. After all, we treat the thyroid gland, but it is necessary to treat the neck! An even more informative complex ultrasound of the cervical spine and ultrasound of the neck and head.
Ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and head
It is no secret that the good state of blood vessels is an important factor in the health of the body. However, our vessels are subjected to terrible tests in the process of life - this is smoking, and unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle, and harmful work. An ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck and head is called UZGD (ultrasound dopplerography). This is one of the types of ultrasound, the price of which is slightly higher than classical ultrasound. The main task of UZGD is to prevent a stroke in time. Consider in which cases an ultrasound of the vessels of the cervical spine is carried out for prevention.
- After 40 years, when the vessels become less elastic and strong. Men are particularly included in this category, since their strokes occur more often and are more difficult than in women.
- Diabetes patients. This disease negatively affects the state of blood vessels.
- People with high blood cholesterol. In addition to cholesterol, it is dangerous to increase triglycerides and low density lipoproteins. The latter is determined after lipidograms.
- Smokers.
- People with heart disease or arrhythmia.
- Hypertensive.
- Persons with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
- Before a planned surgical intervention.
Therefore, it is extremely important, in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, periodically do an ultrasound.
What determines the ultrasonic inspection?
Firstly, it gives a general idea of the state of the walls of blood vessels, their elasticity and tone. Also, the sonologist determines the degree of narrowing of the vessels, the presence of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques in them. Based on the results of the study, the doctor can determine the likelihood that the thrombus will come off the vessel wall and clog it. The specialist determines the condition of other, additional vessels, their pathological connections and areas of expansion.
How to prepare for the procedure?
Some specific measures are not required, but doctors do not recommend drinking tea, coffee and alcohol on the day of the ultrasound of the head and neck. Consult your healthcare provider about the likelihood of withdrawal of drugs that affect the heart and blood vessels before the procedure. In order not to distort the picture, a few hours before the study it is undesirable to eat.
First remove all jewelry so that nothing interferes with the work of the sonologist.
Ultrasound of the head and neck
The patient lies on the couch with a roller under his neck for better access. The doctor applies a special gel-like product to the neck area, turns the patient’s head away from himself and begins to drive the sensor along the carotid artery, starting from its lower section. Vertebral arteries are also examined.
The procedure lasts about half an hour.
How to decipher the results of ultrasound?
Having received the results in their hands, many people are faced with the fact that they cannot decrypt what is written.
- Carotid artery. Its right side has a length of 7-12 cm. The left side is 10-15. It is divided into external and internal, or external (ICA and NSA). Systolic-diastolic relationship - 25-30%. The tortuosity or its absence in the ICA is the norm.
- Blood in the vertebral artery pulsates continuously.
- The thyroid gland normally has a homogeneous echostructure, an even and clear contour, and almost identical lobes. The width of the gland is up to 25 mm, the length is up to 50 mm, and across - up to 20 mm.
- Plaques and blood clots are absent.
- The patency of the vessel may be different, but the lower it is, the greater the degree of stenosis and the more affected those organs through which blood flows through it.
- With oncology of the larynx, ultrasound at an early stage reveals metastases in the cervical lymph nodes. In this case, there is a chance to help the patient on time by promptly performing surgery.
Assign a study to both adults and children of different ages.
Ultrasound of the cervical spine to children
Unlike a roentgenogram, ultrasound of the cervical spine will not cause harm to the child, this is a completely safe method of research. Although there is still debate among doctors about the possible harm of ultrasonic radiation to children and pregnant women, this theory has no confirmation. And ultrasound is still a painless and safe diagnostic method.
Although not showing the state of the vertebrae themselves, ultrasound helps to diagnose spinal problems in newborns who do not have clearly expressed symptoms. And they also can’t complain of a certain discomfort. So ultrasound remains the only way to check for abnormalities in the spinal column of a child. The study shows damage to the vertebral arteries, spinal membranes, which in the future can significantly affect the development of the baby.
Where to do an ultrasound in Moscow
Many are interested in where to do an ultrasound in Moscow. In the capital of Russia, it can be done in almost any medical center. Here are some popular clinics:
- Diagnostic and treatment center on Vernandsky.
- "Doctor Nearby" (network of clinics).
- Dobromed (network of clinics).
- Medclub.
- Medical and diagnostic center "Galem".
- "Diamed".
It is also possible to do an ultrasound scan at a state clinic, and, taking into account certain factors, for free.
How much does an ultrasound in Moscow cost?
An ultrasound scan, the price of which is indicated in the price list of any clinic, is preferably done about once every six months. On average, its cost is from 1000 to 2000 rubles. It all depends on which particular clinic you contacted, because the pricing policy is in honey. different centers.