[Thoughts on training in ultrasound diagnosis of brain-supplying arteries]

Training programmes for the ultrasonic investigation of the arteries supplying the brain should be primarily oriented towards exercise and acquirement of skill in handling the probe. This is true for both Doppler sonography and real time B-mode scanning. Postexamination reading of the stripcard recordings is not sufficient, and even with a more sophisticated data recording system, including frequency analysis and flow-imaging, the need for practical exercise remains, and the training period cannot be shortened. About 1000 examinations are required for sufficient training. Ultrasonic examinations of the carotid and vertebral arteries should be performed by neurologists or angiologists who are familiar with cerebral vascular disease. Only careful clinical evaluation assures the appropriate interpretation of Doppler findings.