Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

TCD is a testing technique that allows for the determination of blood flow velocity quantitatively in the major arteries of the brain and is often referred to as “the physician stethoscope for the brain”.  TCD is particularly useful in detecting cerebrovascular disease which is characterized by obstructions and altered flow in these vessels.  If a patient has had a diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), TCD is a useful tool for evaluation of this on an out-patient or bedside basis.  TCD will permit the use of fewer angiographic/MRI/MRA studies by allowing a less expensive and non-invasive evaluation of the cerebrovascular hemodynamics. Many patients previously diagnosed with TIA actually have had strokes that may contribute to vascular dementia.  Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the most common causes of age-associated dementia.  Cerebrovascular disease is thought by many to worsen dementia of any type.  Additionally TCD “bubble testing” to diagnose patent foramen ovale (PFO) is available.  New research and ongoing clinical trials suggest that there may be a direct connection between PFO, strokes and migraine headaches. TCD procedure is performed for patients with symptomatic/asymptomatic carotid stenosis, stenosis in the major basal intracranial arteries, assessment of patterns and extent of collateral circulation in patients with known regions of severe stenosis or occlusion of the extracranial carotid arteries, intraoperative monitoring of vascular surgery, evaluation and follow-up of patients with vasoconstriction or spasm resulting from an illness, disease or injury, especially after subarachnoid hemorrhage, detection of arteriovenous malformations and studying their supply arteries and flow patterns and as an adjunct in the assessment of patients with suspected brain death. TCD is only one unique gold standard to evaluate patients with emboli.

Sentient NeuroCare Services is led by one the world’s foremost authorities on transcranial Doppler methodology and its clinical applications, Alexander Razumovsky, Ph.D.  Dr. Razumovsky participates personally in the training of all technologists and supervises their continuing medical education.  Dr. Razumovsky reviews TCD testing for accuracy and relevance to the patient and is available to consult with patients physicians. 

Sentient Neurocare Services provides:

  1. Highly trained and credentialed technical staff
  2. Fellowship trained medical staff
  3. State-of-the art transcranial Doppler instrumentation
  4. Mobil services available that can be performed in a Private Practice setting, Hospital bedside or even on a home visit
  5. 24-hours and 48-hours turn around time to provide reports to the Hospital and Private Practice, respectively
  6. We produce and deliver reports via secure company web site, which physicians and health care specialists can access from any PC. We do it all in a timely and cost efficient manner, with a level of expertise and personal attention unmatched in the industry.
  7. Many years experience as an expert mobile services provider