Ultrasound is a non-invasive study of internal organs and body systems by means of ultrasound penetrating between tissues. Currently, it is extremely popular, as it is simple and informative. Ultrasound allows you to identify the disease at an early stage, assess the condition of the fetus during pregnancy, and diagnose before urgent surgery.
One of the main advantages of ultrasound is safety. Ultrasonic waves do not harm the human body, so the method can be used even several times in one day. Pregnant women, in order to exclude fetal pathologies, it is also carried out very often, because other research methods can harm the unborn baby.
In addition to ultrasound of the internal organs, ultrasound of the spine and blood vessels is actively used. In our article, we will consider ultrasound of the cervical spine and blood vessels.
Doing an ultrasound of the cervical spine
Ultrasound tells about the condition of soft tissues, cartilage, interarticular fluids. With it, you can notice the changes occurring in the disksspine. This makes it possible to timely identify degenerative processes caused by disease or age. In most cases, ultrasound of the cervical spine is no less informative than magnetic resonance imaging. But for the price, the last procedure is much more expensive.
Ultrasound of the cervical spine provides important information. Specifically, it shows:
- how do intervertebral discs feel;
- herniated and protrusion discs;
- stenosis (narrowing) of the intervertebral canals;
- anomalies in the spine;
- degree of curvature of the spine;
- spinal membrane and its condition.
Ultrasound of the cervical spine is indicated for:
- frequent headaches radiating to the shoulder and arm, feeling dizzy;
- discomfort in the neck and chest, inability to freely turn the neck;
- numbness of hands, face;
- osteochondrosis of the neck;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia, which causes drops in blood pressure due to poor blood flow to the vessels of the head;
- reducing the function of hearing and vision;
- deterioration of mental activity.
The fact is that the neck can become the focus of many problems. It is connected with the head, therefore, mental activity, hearing and vision, as well as a nervous state directly depend on its state (which is why problems with it lead to neuroses and insomnia). However, this is not all. Each cervical vertebra is associated with certain organs. For example,with damage to the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), a person has a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. As a result, without knowing these nuances, we cannot fully restore our he alth. After all, we treat the thyroid gland, but we need to treat the neck! Even more informative is a comprehensive ultrasound of the cervical spine and ultrasound of the neck and head.
Ultrasound of vessels of the neck and head
It's no secret that the good condition of blood vessels is the most important factor in the he alth of the body. However, our blood vessels in the process of life are subjected to terrible tests - this is smoking, and unhe althy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle, and harmful work. Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck and head is called UZGD (ultrasound dopplerography). This is one of the types of ultrasound, the price of which is slightly higher than classic ultrasound. The main task of ultrasound is to prevent a stroke in time. Consider in what cases ultrasound of the vessels of the cervical region is performed for prevention.
- After 40 years, when the vessels become less elastic and strong. This category especially includes men, as they have more frequent and more severe strokes than women.
- Patients with diabetes. This disease negatively affects the state of blood vessels.
- People with high blood cholesterol levels. In addition to cholesterol, an increase in triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins is dangerous. The latter are determined after the lipidogram.
- Smokers.
- People with heart disease or arrhythmias.
- Hypertension patients.
- Persons with osteochondrosis of the cervical spinedepartment.
- Before elective surgery.
Therefore, it is extremely important to periodically do an ultrasound to avoid unpleasant consequences.
What determines ultrasound?
Firstly, it gives a general idea of the state of the walls of blood vessels, their elasticity and tone. The sonologist also determines the degree of vasoconstriction, the presence of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques in them. Based on the results of the study, the doctor can determine what is the likelihood that a blood clot will come off the vessel wall and clog it. The specialist determines the state of other, additional vessels, their pathological connections and areas of expansion.
How to prepare for the procedure?
No specific activities are required, but doctors do not advise drinking tea, coffee and alcohol on the day of ultrasound of the head and neck. Talk to your doctor about the likelihood of stopping medications that affect the heart and blood vessels before the procedure. In order not to distort the picture, it is undesirable to eat a few hours before the study.
Remove all jewelry first so that nothing interferes with the work of the sonologist.
Ultrasound of the head and neck
The patient lies down on the couch with a roll under the neck for better access. The doctor applies a special gel-like agent to the neck area, turns the patient's head away from himself and begins to drive the sensor along the carotid artery, starting from its lower section. The vertebral arteries are also examined.
The procedure lasts about half an hour.
How to decipher the resultsUltrasound?
Having received the results, many people are faced with the fact that they cannot decipher what is written.
- Carotid artery. Its right side has a length of 7-12 cm. The left side is 10-15. It is divided into external and internal, or external (ICA and NCA). Systolic-diastolic relationship - 25-30%. Tortuosity or lack of it in the ICA is the norm.
- The blood in the vertebral artery pulsates continuously.
- The thyroid gland normally has a homogeneous echostructure, a smooth and clear contour, almost identical lobes. The gland is up to 25 mm wide, up to 50 mm long, and up to 20 mm across.
- No plaques or blood clots.
- The patency of a vessel can be different, but the lower it is, the greater the degree of stenosis and the more those organs through which blood flows through it suffer.
- In oncology of the larynx, ultrasound at an early stage detects metastases in the cervical lymph nodes. In this case, there is a chance to provide timely assistance to the patient by promptly performing a surgical intervention.
Assign a study to both adults and kids of different ages.
Ultrasound of the cervical spine for children
Unlike an x-ray, an ultrasound of the cervical spine will not cause harm to a child, it is a completely safe method of examination. Although there is still debate among doctors about the possible harm of ultrasound radiation for children and pregnant women, this theory has not been confirmed. And ultrasound is still a painless and safe diagnostic method.
Although not showing the state of the vertebrae themselves,ultrasound helps to diagnose spinal problems in newborns who do not have obvious symptoms. And they can’t complain about a certain discomfort either. So ultrasound remains the only way to check for abnormalities in the child's spinal column. The study shows damage to the vertebral arteries, spinal membranes, which in the future can significantly affect the development of the baby.
Where to do an ultrasound in Moscow
Many are interested in where in Moscow to do an ultrasound. In the capital of Russia, it can be done in almost any medical center. Here are some popular clinics:
- Treatment and diagnostic center on Vernandskogo.
- Doctor Nearby (chain of clinics).
- Dobromed (chain of clinics).
- "Medclub".
- Galem Medical Diagnostic Center.
- "Diamed".
An ultrasound can also be done at the state clinic, and, subject to certain factors, free of charge.
How much does an ultrasound in Moscow cost?
Ultrasound, the price of which is indicated in the price list of any clinic, is desirable to do about once every six months. On average, its cost is from 1000 to 2000 rubles. It all depends on which clinic you applied to, because the pricing policy in honey. centers vary.
