What is Transcranial Doppler?

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a test that uses sound waves to measure the blood flow in your brain. This device is also referred to as the “Stethoscope for the Brain”.

The data collected from the TCD is used by doctors to determine whether your brain is getting an adequate blood flow to support your normal brain function. TCD is mostly a diagnostic tool but can be used as a monitoring tool during some types of surgery.

Over the last number of years, the list of clinical applications for TCD has grown, and the addition of new areas of research will permit better understanding of intracranial cerebrovascular hemodynamics.
 
Currently, transcranial Doppler's role is being used or investigated for the following clinical applications:

- Monitoring after head trauma
- Diagnosis of intracranial vascular disease
- Monitoring vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Screening of children with sickle cell disease
- Assessment of intracranial collateral pathways
- Intraoperative monitoring
- Detection of cerebral emboli
- Monitoring evolution of cerebral circulatory arrest
- Documentation of subclavian steal
- Evaluation of the vertebrobasilar system
- Detection of feeders of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Monitoring anticoagulation regimens or thrombolytic therapy
- Monitoring during neuroradiologic interventions
- Testing of functional reserve

 

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