Transcranial Doppler — also called transcranial ultrasound — is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of blood flow in your brain. It can be used to diagnose stroke, aneurysms, and other conditions.
UPMC experts provide fast stroke diagnosis and treatment using the most effective and least invasive techniques, delivering the care you need when seconds count.
What Is Transcranial Doppler?
Transcranial Doppler — also called transcranial ultrasound — is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of blood flow in your brain. It can be used to diagnose stroke, aneurysm, narrowed arteries, and other conditions.
Types of transcranial Doppler
There are several types of transcranial Doppler, including:
- Color Doppler — Uses colors to show the direction and speed of blood flow.
- Duplex Doppler — Shows information about blood flow in a graph.
- Power Doppler — A type of color Doppler that can show images of blood flow through smaller blood vessels.
- Spectral Doppler — Shows the extent of the blockage inside your blood vessel in a graph.
What is transcranial ultrasound used for?
Transcranial Doppler can be used to diagnose conditions that affect blood flow in your brain, including:
Why Would I Need Transcranial Doppler?
You may need a transcranial Doppler if your doctor suspects that you have problems with blood flow in your brain.
Who’s a candidate for transcranial Doppler?
Transcranial Doppler is a noninvasive test that is safe for most people. Your doctor will let you know if you are a candidate for transcranial Doppler.
Alternatives to transcranial Doppler
Other tests that can be used to diagnose problems with blood flow in your brain include:
- CT or MR angiogram — Also known as arteriography or an arteriogram, this test uses x-rays or magnets and a special contrast dye to look for problems with the blood vessels in your brain.
- CT scan — A test that creates images of your brain and is used to diagnose stroke, brain aneurysm, or another type of brain injury.
- MRI — Uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of your brain.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Transcranial Doppler?
There are no risks associated with a transcranial Doppler procedure.
What Should I Expect From Transcranial Doppler?
Before: How to prepare for transcranial Doppler
There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this test. However, your doctor may ask you to remove contact lenses and keep your eyes closed during the procedure to prevent ultrasound gel from getting into your eyes.
How long does transcranial Doppler take?
Transcranial Doppler takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the exam.
During your transcranial Doppler
Transcranial Doppler is a noninvasive, painless procedure, so you will not need anesthesia. It can be performed while you lie on your back on an exam table or hospital bed, or while you sit in a chair.
During the procedure, your ultrasound technician will:
- Apply ultrasound gel in different spots on your head. The gel allows ultrasound waves to travel through your tissues.
- Place a handheld wand called a transducer on your head and move it around to check blood flow in different areas of your brain. The transducer sends sound waves into your head and receives signals that the computer uses to create ultrasound images.
After your transcranial Doppler, a doctor will review your results, diagnose your condition, and recommend a treatment plan.
Recovery after transcranial Doppler
You can resume your normal diet and activities after your transcranial Doppler.
Why Choose UPMC for Transcranial Doppler Care?
When you choose UPMC for transcranial Doppler care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class neuroscience expertise — UPMC is among the world’s best multidisciplinary stroke centers. When surgery is necessary, our neurosurgery team is experienced in advanced treatments, including traditional and investigational approaches that are not widely available.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer nonsurgical and minimally invasive stroke care, as well as traditional open surgical procedures, allowing us to effectively treat all types of strokes while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-10-23.
