Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD)

TCD is a noninvasive and painless ultrasound technique that uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow (blood circulation) in and around the brain. There is no special contrast or radiation involved in the test. Physicians recommend this test to determine if there is anything happening in the blood vessels that is affecting blood flow to the brain like vasospasm, ischemic stroke or cerebral blockages of the blood vessels.
Additionally, TCD can be used for:
Embolic detection monitoring: Detection of any free-floating particles that may be in the bloodstream. These particles can be a significant source of stroke risk.
Agitated saline bubble study: This test is specific for identifying whether there is a passageway or hole between the right and left chambers through which blood enters the heart. This hole usually closes after birth. If it doesn’t close, it can be a source of increased stroke risk in certain patients.
CO2 vasomotor reactivity study: This noninvasive study very useful for vascular dementia and vascular cognitive impairment. It looks at whether the small vessels that regulate blood flow to the brain are working properly. When a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen are inhaled, similar to holding one’s breath, these small vessels should widen and increase blood flow to the brain. When a person hyperventilates, the vessels should shrink and slow blood flow to the brain.