What is TCD?

TCD is a diagnostic ultrasound that allows for the evaluation of the Circle of Willis. TCD specialists are able to obtain a real-time blood flow assessment of the velocity and direction in the following vessels: middle, anterior, and posterior cerebral, ophthalmic and carotid siphon, and the vertebral and basilar arteries. TCD can be used as complimentary testing along with other modalities.

The use of Transcranial Doppler is sometimes referred to as the “Stethoscope to the Brain”. TCD is the standard of care at comprehensive stroke centers. Due to the real-time assessment of velocities, clinicians may find TCD useful in their everyday decision-making plan of care in treatment for acute stroke. TCD is more convenient for the patient as the test is done at the patient’s location, rapidly repeatable when compared to conventional angiography, MR, and CT, and is less costly than many other modalities.

TCD allows for cost-effective and non-invasive evaluation the following:

• Assessment of intracranial atherosclerosis,
• Assessment of intracranial stenosis/occlusion,
• Assessment of vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH),
• Assessment of Arteriovenous Malformation,
• Sickle Cell Disease,
• Cerebrocirculatory Arrest-Suspected Brain Death