Measure of Blood Velocity

[ampky]

Can you please tell me what type(s) of machinery/techniques should be used to determine the rate of blood flow in the brain and brain stem? Does looking at a picture (such as a MRA) and seeing a blood-filled Circle of Willis suffice?

Thank you for your time!

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Apart from MRA or magnetic  resonance angiography, Doppler/ultrasound of carotid arteries, to detect carotid artery stenosis or detection of the precerebral arteries. For the assessment of stable stroke, nuclear medicine scans SPECT and PET/ CT may be helpful. SPECT documents cerebral blood flow and PET with FDGisotope the metabolic activity of neurons. Hope this helps .Take care.

[ampky]

Caregiver,

Thanks. I'm at my wits end with docs. Long story short, neurological problems are progressively worsening, pointing to venous insufficiency. I keep asking for a Transcranial Doppler. but docs are saying a MRA was done and was normal.

I appreciate your time and concern.

[caregiver222]

One technique is with dopplar imaging and a software program. Sound waves are bounced off the blood vessels as they contract and expand.

Looking at a picture only provides you with snapshot.