Carotid Artery Ultrasound

Carotid artery ultrasound (Doppler ultrasonography of the carotid arteries) is a non-invasive method of imaging blood vessels in the neck area, assessing blood flow in the carotid and vertebral arteries.

Purpose of the examination:

• Detection of stenosis, occlusions, or atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries.
• Assessment of stroke risk.
• Diagnosis of hypertension and other vascular diseases.
• Monitoring the condition of vessels in patients after surgery or with atherosclerosis risk factors.

Examination procedure:

The patient lies on their back with the head slightly tilted. The doctor applies gel to the neck and moves the ultrasound probe over the examined area. The examination takes about 15-30 minutes, is painless, and requires no special preparation.

When should you get a carotid artery ultrasound?

• When atherosclerosis is suspected.
• In case of dizziness, fainting, vision disorders, or tinnitus.
• For people with hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or after a stroke.
• As prevention for people over 55 years of age or with a family history.

Important: This examination is crucial for assessing vascular health and preventing serious complications such as stroke.

EMG (Electromyography)

EMG (electromyography) is a diagnostic examination that evaluates the function of muscles and peripheral nerves. It uses electrodes to record the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. It is mainly used in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases such as neuropathies, myopathies, or nerve root damage.

Types of EMG examination:

1. Nerve conduction study (NCS, ENG) – evaluates the speed and quality of nerve impulse conduction.
2. Needle electromyography (proper EMG) – examines the electrical activity of muscles using thin needle electrodes inserted into the muscles.

Indications for EMG:

• Suspicion of nerve damage (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic neuropathies).
• Diagnosis of muscle diseases (e.g., muscular dystrophies, myopathies).
• Assessment of spinal cord and nerve root damage (e.g., in sciatica).
• Diagnosis of motor neuron diseases (e.g., ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

How does the examination proceed?

In nerve conduction studies, electrodes are attached to the skin, and the nerve is stimulated with electrical impulses. In needle electromyography, a thin needle electrode is inserted into the examined muscle to record its activity.

The entire examination takes 30-60 minutes and may cause slight discomfort, especially in the needle part.

Does EMG require preparation?

Do not use creams and lotions on the skin on the day of the examination. It is advisable to inform the doctor about any medications you are taking (e.g., anticoagulants).

Advantages and limitations of EMG:

• Allows for accurate assessment of nerve and muscle function.
• Is safe and relatively quick.
• The needle part may be painful.
• Does not always detect very early pathological changes.

Dermatoscope Examination

Dermatoscope examination is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows for detailed examination of skin lesions, including suspicious moles and other skin changes. A dermatoscope is a device equipped with a magnifying lens and a light source, which enables viewing the skin in magnification and in a more detailed way than is possible with the naked eye.

How does a dermatoscope work?

A dermatoscope uses magnification technology (usually 10x-20x) and LED lighting to enable the doctor to assess the structure of the skin.

Indications for dermatoscopic examination:

• Assessment of skin moles – especially in case of changes in their shape, color, or size.
• Diagnosis of melanoma – dermatoscopy allows for a thorough examination of the shape and structure of moles, which is helpful in early detection of melanoma (skin cancer).
• Observation of existing skin lesions – regular examinations can help monitor changes in existing moles.
• Recognition of other skin cancers – such as basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, or other precancerous lesions.
• Assessment of skin lesions in high-risk patients – e.g., people with a history of skin cancer, with numerous moles, or with fair complexion.

How does the examination proceed?

1. Patient preparation – The patient may be asked to remove clothing so that the doctor can examine the skin in the appropriate areas. The examination does not require any special preparation.
2. Application of the dermatoscope – The doctor places the device on the skin to closely examine the lesion. It can be used both on the surface of the skin and, in the case of deeper lesions, through a thin layer of gel or oil.
3. Image observation – The doctor evaluates the structure, symmetry, borders, color, and other characteristics of the moles.

ECG (Electrocardiography)

ECG (electrocardiography) is a diagnostic examination that records the electrical activity of the heart. This examination makes it possible to assess heart rhythm, detect cardiac disorders, and other abnormalities such as myocardial infarction, conduction disorders, or heart hypertrophy.

How does ECG work?

The heart generates electrical impulses that cause contractions of the heart muscle. These impulses can be recorded on the surface of the skin using electrodes attached to the body. The electrodes detect electrical changes, which are then presented on a graph (ECG curve). The ECG record shows the time course of the heart's electrical activity, which the doctor interprets by assessing rhythm, frequency, and other parameters.

Indications for ECG:

• Chest pain – may indicate heart problems such as heart attack or coronary artery disease.
• Heart rhythm disorders – such as arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation.
• Assessment of the condition after a heart attack – ECG can help assess heart damage after a heart attack.
• Monitoring patients with hypertension – assessing the impact of high blood pressure on the heart.
• Routine examination – e.g., before surgeries, as part of prevention in elderly people or in risk groups (heart disease, diabetes, smoking).

How does the examination proceed?

1. Patient preparation – The examination is quick and does not require special preparation. The patient is asked to remove clothing from the upper part of the body to enable the placement of electrodes.
2. Electrode placement – Electrodes are attached to the skin in specific places on the body (usually 6 on the chest and 4 on the limbs).
3. ECG recording – During the examination, the patient usually has to lie or sit in a calm position. It only takes a few minutes.
4. Interpretation – The record is analyzed by a doctor who assesses any abnormalities in heart function.

Advantages of ECG examination:

• Painless and non-invasive.
• Quick – the entire examination usually takes 5-10 minutes.
• Safe – no risk of body damage.
• Available – widely available in doctors' offices, hospitals, and clinics.
• Helpful in diagnosis – enables early detection of heart disorders.

Summary: ECG is a basic examination in the diagnosis of heart problems. It is fast, painless, and provides valuable information about heart rhythm, electrical functions, and heart muscle structure. It is a key tool in the assessment of cardiovascular diseases.