An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images from the inside the body. Also called a sonogram or sonography, ultrasounds let doctors see the body’s soft tissues, which X-rays can’t do.
Doctors order ultrasounds for many reasons, such as to look for the causes of pain, swelling, and infection. Ultrasound scans are safe and painless.
A transcranial Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow (blood circulation) in and around the brain. The test is also called transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography. This test takes a bit longer to do than other types of ultrasounds. A TCD can take between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Doctors order transcranial Doppler ultrasounds to check blood vessels when a problem is affecting blood flow to the brain. For children and teens, they might order the test:
If you have questions about the transcranial Doppler ultrasound or what the test results mean, talk to your doctor.
Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD
Date Reviewed: Jan 15, 2022
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