Vascular~20–30 min
Carotid Ultrasound
A painless ultrasound that examines the main arteries in your neck to check for plaque buildup and stroke risk.
Carotid duplex ultrasound assesses the carotid and vertebral arteries for plaque, stenosis, and intima-media thickness — the primary non-invasive investigation for stroke risk evaluation and atherosclerosis screening. The examination is painless, radiation-free, and takes 20–30 minutes.
Book This Evaluation
Carotid ultrasound painlessly visualizes the neck arteries to detect plaque buildup and assess the risk of stroke.
Why We Scan the Neck Arteries
The two carotid arteries running up either side of the neck carry most of the blood supply to the brain. When plaque builds up in them, a fragment can break off and travel upward, blocking a small brain vessel and causing a stroke or a warning “mini-stroke” (TIA).
A carotid ultrasound looks directly at these arteries — measuring the thickness of the wall, spotting plaque, and using Doppler to work out how much any narrowing is slowing the flow. It is quick, painless and radiation-free, and it doubles as a window onto atherosclerosis elsewhere in the body.
A carotid ultrasound looks directly at these arteries — measuring the thickness of the wall, spotting plaque, and using Doppler to work out how much any narrowing is slowing the flow. It is quick, painless and radiation-free, and it doubles as a window onto atherosclerosis elsewhere in the body.
What the Scan Measures
The report usually covers:
- Intima-media thickness — the wall thickness, an early marker of atherosclerosis before any plaque forms
- Plaque — where it is, how large, and whether it looks smooth and stable or irregular
- Stenosis — the degree of narrowing, graded as mild (under 50%), moderate (50–69%) or severe (70–99%)
- Flow in the vertebral arteries at the back of the neck
What the Scan Is Like
You lie on your back with your head turned slightly away from the side being scanned. Gel is applied and the probe is moved gently along the neck for about 20 to 30 minutes. There is no preparation and nothing uncomfortable — the pulsing Doppler sound is the only surprise. You can drive and return to work straight afterwards.
When We Recommend One in Singapore
A carotid ultrasound is worthwhile for:
- Anyone who has had a TIA or stroke affecting the front circulation of the brain
- A neck bruit — a rushing sound heard through the stethoscope over the artery
- Several cardiovascular risk factors together, such as smoking with high blood pressure and diabetes
- Assessment before major heart or vascular surgery
- Privately in Singapore a carotid duplex scan costs roughly SGD 200 to SGD 400
Understanding Your Result
A normal scan, or one showing only mild wall thickening, is reassuring and the response is to control risk factors well. Plaque without significant narrowing is treated with an antiplatelet such as aspirin and a statin, and often a follow-up scan in a year. A severe narrowing of 70% or more, particularly if it has already caused symptoms, is discussed with a vascular surgeon, as clearing or stenting the artery can substantially cut the risk of a future stroke.
Carotid Ultrasound: Common Questions
Ready to Schedule Your Carotid Ultrasound?
Most evaluations are available on the same day as your consultation with Dr. Peter Chang at Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore.