Transcranial Doppler imaging is a type of ultrasound using a Doppler. The ultrasound measures the velocity of blood flow through the brain’s blood vessels. Transcranial Doppler imaging can be used to diagnose hemorrhages, clots, emboli, sickle cell disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cerebral circulatory arrest. They are also done in conjunction with other tests, including MRIs and CT scans.
Transcranial Doppler is a form of intraoperative monitoring, and it works by emitting a high-frequency sound wave that bounces off various substances in the body. Echoes that are produced are detected by a sensor in the probe. The echoes can determine the speed and direction that blood is travelling.
Transcranial Doppler imaging is one type of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM). It can help surgeons monitor the body’s responses during delicate procedures. Your doctor can better advise you of the risks of transcranial Doppler imaging. Like all medical procedures, it has risks and benefits. In some rare cases, patients can be harmed during the procedure, and in some cases that harm is caused by the negligence of medical professionals.
If you or a loved one has been harmed during a procedure involving transcranial Doppler imaging, you should speak with an attorney. Call me, Conal Doyle, IONM attorney at 310-385-0567. My team has experience with cases involving intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, and may be able to help you. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.