Carotid artery disease, a narrowing of the big arteries in your neck, is one of the most common causes of stroke. A carotid duplex ultrasound can find it early, in about 30 minutes, without needles or dye. Early discovery means early treatment.
If you have signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking), call 911 now. Do not drive yourself and do not wait for an office visit.
Stroke warning signs
Learn them and teach your family:
- Face drooping on one side
- Arm or leg weakness or numbness, often on one side
- Trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye
- Sudden severe headache or trouble walking
Some people have a mini-stroke, where symptoms come and go. That is still an emergency. Call 911.
When a carotid test is ordered
Your provider may order a carotid study to look into:
- One-sided loss of strength or feeling
- Trouble speaking
- Brief loss of vision in one eye
- A whooshing sound in the neck, called a bruit, heard with a stethoscope
What the test involves
The exam checks blood pressure in both arms and scans the carotid, vertebral and subclavian arteries with ultrasound. You lie down while a technologist moves a wand along your neck. A complete study usually takes about 30 minutes. FCCI's non-invasive vascular lab is accredited and staffed by registered vascular technologists.
If a blockage is found
Your provider will talk with you about the options. Medicines and lifestyle changes help many people. When more detail is needed, carotid angiography in the cath lab lets the doctor see the arteries of the neck and head to help treat and prevent stroke.
Get checked close to home
Ask your FCCI provider at the Palatka office whether a carotid test makes sense for you. Call 386.325.2836 to learn where it can be scheduled.
Questions to ask at your visit
Ask these at your carotid screening:
- Do I need a carotid ultrasound?
- How narrow are my neck arteries?
- Which medicines lower my stroke risk?
- When would a procedure be needed?
- How often should I be rechecked?
Care close to home in Palatka
Stroke prevention is personal for a local team. Cecilia Pitts, APRN, and Kortney Winkleman, APRN, both have deep Putnam County roots, and Dr. Yazan Khatib has talked with the Palatka Rotary Club about heart and vascular health.
Stroke signs are an emergency, so call 911, never the office. For a carotid check or a talk about your stroke risk, call the front desk Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why patients choose FCCI
Carotid testing is easier to keep up with when it is local. Shorter trips mean you are more likely to get scanned on time and come back for follow-ups as recommended.
Carotid ultrasound and follow-up are covered by plans FCCI accepts, such as Medicare, Medicaid of Florida, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare and Tricare. The front desk can check your plan or quote self-pay rates.
Wondering if your neck arteries should be checked? Call 386.325.2836, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or ask for an appointment online, keeping health details out of the form.
