Neck ultrasound examination?
Hello Doctor, since August of this year, I have been experiencing a series of physical discomforts.
I have undergone many tests, and I frequently have pain in my shoulders and neck, along with numbness in my left hand.
Recently, I have also experienced occasional numbness in my left foot.
When I turn my head, I hear a cracking sound and feel as if my neck might break.
Additionally, I have a tingling sensation at the back of my head.
I recently had a neck ultrasound, but my follow-up appointment is still a long way off, and I am very worried about whether there are any abnormalities in my test results.
I have been unable to sleep for several days.
Please help me review the report to see if everything is normal.
Thank you.
The right carotid system shows no increased resistance index.
The left carotid system shows increased resistance index indicating downstream stenosis or atherosclerotic change.
The real-time imaging shows no plaque formations over bilateral common carotid arteries, bifurcations, external and internal carotid arteries.
The intima-media thickness reveals: right 0.65mm and left 0.51mm.
The plaque index of the right carotid system is 0, whereas the left is 0.
The bilateral vertebral arteries show no increased resistance index.
The bilateral subclavian and ophthalmic arteries are not arranged based on routine protocol.
Impression:
1.
Normal carotid duplex study
2.
TCD/MRA/MRI/CTA is indicated for further survey to complement the current information.
Chih Ming Lin, MD, PhD
Serein, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/03
Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello Serein: Based on the symptoms mentioned, it is suggested that there may be conditions related to cervical spine or intracranial vascular diseases.
It is recommended to visit a neurologist for a detailed examination to determine the cause.
Reply Date: 2022/12/03
More Info
Understanding your neck ultrasound results can be quite daunting, especially when you're experiencing symptoms like neck pain, numbness in your arms and legs, and unusual sounds when turning your head. It’s important to break down the findings of your ultrasound report to help you understand what they mean in the context of your health.
From your report, it appears that the right carotid system shows no increased resistance index, which is a positive sign. This means that there is no significant blockage or narrowing in the right carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain. On the other hand, the left carotid system shows an increased resistance index. This could indicate some degree of downstream stenosis (narrowing of the artery) or atherosclerotic changes (buildup of plaque in the arteries). However, the report also notes that there are no plaque formations observed in the bilateral common carotid arteries, bifurcations, external, and internal carotid arteries, which is reassuring.
The intima-media thickness (IMT) measurements of your carotid arteries are also important. The right carotid artery has an IMT of 0.65 mm, while the left has an IMT of 0.51 mm. These measurements can indicate the health of the arterial walls; thicker walls may suggest a higher risk of cardiovascular issues. However, your values are relatively normal, and the absence of plaque formations is a good sign.
The report concludes with an impression of a normal carotid duplex study, which means that the ultrasound did not reveal any significant abnormalities in the carotid arteries. However, the recommendation for further imaging studies such as Transcranial Doppler (TCD), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) suggests that your healthcare provider wants to gather more information to ensure there are no underlying issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Given your symptoms of neck pain, numbness, and the sensation of your neck feeling unstable, it’s crucial to discuss these findings with your healthcare provider. They can help correlate the ultrasound results with your clinical symptoms and decide on the best course of action. It’s also worth noting that neck pain and numbness can sometimes be related to issues with the cervical spine, such as herniated discs or cervical spondylosis, which may not be visible on a carotid ultrasound.
In summary, while your ultrasound results indicate no significant abnormalities in the carotid arteries, the increased resistance index on the left side warrants further investigation. It’s understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially with the symptoms you’re experiencing. Make sure to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns, and don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation if your symptoms persist or worsen. Getting adequate rest and managing stress during this waiting period is also essential for your overall well-being.
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