TCD (Transcranial Doppler)

TCD is used to identify the flow of intracranial blood vessels.

1. transtemporal (side of the head)
2. transorbital (over the eye)
3. transoccipital (back of the head)

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Vessels are identified by depth, direction of flow, traceability and spatial relationships.

This is a painless procedure using a small Doppler instrument and usually takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours. Patient should be quiet and comfortable. Vessels are identified and compared to reported normal values.

The TCD can be used for:

1. Stroke and stroke prevention
2. Vasospasm (narrowing of the arteries)
3. Surgery – carotid endarectomy and cardiac
4. CHI – post traumatic (CHI means closed head injury)
5. Brain death determination
6. Carotid artery disease