What is a carotid ultrasound test?
The carotid arteries are located on both the right and left sides of the neck and are responsible for providing blood supply to the brain. The carotid arteries branch off into two vessels known as the external and internal carotid arteries and distribute blood flow to designated areas inside the brain. A carotid ultrasound or carotid artery test uses sound waves to visualize the blood flow throughout the carotid arteries and evaluates narrowing or plaque buildup inside the vessel wall.