Headaches and decreased mental activity occur for a reason. Most often, such symptoms occur with vascular diseases. Poor blood circulation in the arteries and veins of the brain leads to ischemic damage. In severe cases, a stroke may occur due to a lack of oxygen. As you know, this disease is quite dangerous. Acute circulatory disturbance in the vessels of the brain often leads to paralysis, the development of convulsive syndrome, in severe cases a fatal outcome is possible. Chronic hypoxia occurs due to narrowing of the lumen of the arteries with atherosclerotic plaques (plaques). As a result, functions such as memory, sleep, and mental abilities are disrupted.
To assess the state of blood circulation, TCD of cerebral vessels is performed. This study is necessary in cases of suspected discirculatory encephalopathy, stroke, arterial and vein abnormalities. This diagnostic procedure can be completed in almost any clinic.
TCD study - what is it
In the modern world, there are many methods for diagnosing CNS pathologies. Every year, research is being improved, becoming less harmful to the body and more informative. Such requirements are met by such a diagnostic method as transcranial dopplerography of cerebral vessels. Thanks to this study, it is possible to assess not only the condition of arteries and veins, but also the blood flow inside them. The basis of TCD is an ultrasound diagnostic method. The essence of the method is that the device has the ability to pick up echoes coming from red blood cells. After that, the information is displayed on the screen of the monitor connected to the sensor.
Using such equipment, the doctor can evaluate the shape and location of the vessels, the state of their lumen, and the direction of blood flow. These data are of great diagnostic value, since they make it possible to judge the presence of pathologies such as encephalopathy, malformation, aneurysm, and stroke. These diseases are socially significant, as they often lead to disability. Therefore, with a suspicion of such pathologies, TCD of cerebral vessels is an obligatory diagnostic method. The study is safe for the body and highly informative.
Indications for transcranial dopplerography
Dopplerographic examination of the vessels of the brain and neck is performed on an outpatient basis, as it is not an invasive diagnostic method. It is completely painless and safe. TCD is not accompanied by radiation exposure on the body of the subject and the doctor. Indications for dopplerography of the vessels of the neck and head are suspicions of impaired blood flow and narrowing of the lumen of arteries or veins. Such changes indicate vascular diseases, which require constant monitoring by a doctor and treatment. Indications for Dopplerography:
- Acute cerebrovascular accident. These include hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, as well as conditions preceding stroke.
- Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the neck and head. With this pathology, a narrowing of the lumen of the vessels occurs due to the fact that fat deposits - cholesterol plaques - accumulate in the endothelium.
- Encephalopathy. It occurs against the background of chronic hypoxia. DEP can develop due to atherosclerosis and osteochondrosis. In advanced cases, it leads to dementia.
- Vascular malformation. It refers to congenital anomalies and consists in the incorrect location and connection of the arterial and venous system.
- Aneurysm of the vessels of the neck and head, as well as increased blood pressure.
TCD is necessary to perform not only if these pathologies are suspected, but if they are present. This is necessary to evaluate treatment control.
Options for transcranial dopplerography
Dopplerographic examination of the vessels of the brain and neck can be performed in different ways. The choice of methodology depends on the symptoms of the disease. Based on the clinical picture, the doctor has the opportunity to suspect the localization of the affected vessel. There are 3 research options:
- Carotid ultrasonography - performed when the sensor is installed on the superficial vessels of the neck. Given that the carotid artery feeds the cerebral vessels, this study allows us to judge the presence or absence of cerebral ischemia. Indications are fainting, memory loss, neurological disorders.
- TCD of cerebral vessels - the device is installed in the projection of large cerebral arteries. Using transcranial access assess the state of the brain. The temporal, occipital and temporal areas are examined.
- Transorbital scan. It is carried out with suspected changes in the vessels of the eyes.
Contraindications for TCD
The main advantage of TCD of cerebral vessels is that the study is safe for the body. It can be performed in pediatric patients, pregnant women, as well as people suffering from chronic pathologies. There are no contraindications for transcranial dopplerography. Nevertheless, it is undesirable to perform it in acute attacks of heart and respiratory failure.
Preparation for TCD of arteries and veins of the head and neck
Dopplerography of the arteries of the head and neck is not accompanied by harmful effects and is a painless method. Therefore, preparation for TCD is optional. Particularly sensitive patients should explain the purpose of the procedure. Sedatives are not indicated as a preparation. Before the procedure, you need to remove the jewelry and remove the mobile phone.
Inspection Technique
Transcranial dopplerography is performed in a patient position while sitting on a chair. Using this access, duplex or triplex scanning is performed. An ultrasound probe is mounted relative to the auricle. The study begins in front, then the device is moved up (to the temporal and parietal region), and then back. This allows you to alternately evaluate blood flow in all areas of the brain. At the end of the study, the sensor is placed in the neck. Thus, one can judge the state of the cerebellar zone, the veins of Galen and Rosenthal. Also, with transcranial scanning, the state of the vertebral artery is assessed .
TCD of cerebral vessels: a transcript of the results
The results of vascular TCD are assessed in real time by a functional diagnostic physician . Due to the fact that the image enters the screen, a specialist can immediately make a conclusion about the condition of arteries or veins. When triplex scanning vessels are painted in red and blue. This allows you to judge the interaction of the venous and arterial systems. Thanks to TCD, it is possible to assess the speed of blood flow through the vessels, its direction. Also, dopplerography allows you to judge the state of the valve apparatus, the inner wall of the arteries. Slow blood flow or its turbulence indicate a narrowing of the lumen of the vessel. In this case, a consultation of a neurologist and a vascular surgeon is necessary.
Which clinics perform TCD
If vascular abnormalities are suspected, the neurologist almost always directs patients to TCD of the cerebral vessels. Where to do this examination? The choice of the clinic does not affect the result of the procedure, so the patient can decide for himself: in which place to perform this procedure. TCD is performed in almost all paid medical centers, as well as in general clinics with a functional diagnostics department.