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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: imaging for cerebral arteriesForum: Neurology Forum
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Could you tell me about transcranial doppler(sp?) for imaging of the cerebral arteries? I have had the MRA and it indicated some problems in the posterior arteries circulation. My docs dont want to do a regular angiogram because of the risks and the problems I am having with the lupus. I am trying to get some info about other imaging possiblities ect before I see my new neurologist so I can ask him about all that. Also is a SPECT scan useful in this type of problem( cerebral blood flow problems?) Thanks once again for all the time you take to answer all these questions.
Thanks for your question. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) uses ultrasonic waves to study the blood flow within a vessel. In a very simplified manner, it uses the same principle that an approaching car/train/"noisy-object" seems to have a higher "pitch" than one that is moving away from you. Under many circumstances, TCD can provide a more "dynamic" picture of the actual blood flow inside intracranial vessels, by being able to give the actual "velocity" of flow within a vessel. However, MR-Angiograms (MRAs) are much better in illustrating irregularities/narrowings along the course of a vessel. The likely reason your regular physicians want an evaluation of your I hope this information is helpful. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
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