How to perform and interpret a middle cerebral artery transcranial Doppler examination in children at risk of brain injury

Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2024 Mar 19;109(2):98-104. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325747.

Abstract

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is a non-invasive neuromonitoring technique that falls under the umbrella of point-of-care ultrasound. In this article, we provide a primer to encourage clinicians to perform TCD examinations and to aid them with accurately interpreting the scans. We focus on the middle cerebral artery waveforms and use traumatic brain injury as a model for brain insult.

Keywords: Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Intensive Care Units, Paediatric; Neurosurgery; Paediatric Emergency Medicine; Paediatrics.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Middle Cerebral Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial / methods