THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NEUROSONOGRAPHIC METHODS IN THE ACUTE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF STROKE

In acute focal cerebrovascular events the rapid examination (within 24 hours) of the extracranial brain arteries by means of Doppler and duplex sonography is indicated to exclude high-grade stenoses and/or occlusions of these vessels. Clinical symptoms suggesting occlusion of the middle cerebral artery of the basilar artery with the potential need for cerebral thrombolysis require urgent transcranial Doppler sonography. TCD is also indicated if vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected. Due to these facts stroke centers should have 24-hour availability of the neurosonographic methods. These methods are also a basic requirement for the evaluation of the vessels wall status of the brain supplying arteries in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke.