Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Carotid Artery Auscultation

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Place a tunable diaphragm lightly over each carotid artery (or use a lightly applied bell) near the carotid bifurcation, just below the angle of the jaw, and ask the patient to briefly hold their breath. Listen for a bruit—a blowing or rushing sound over the artery.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Audible carotid bruit
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Strong

References

  • McColgan P, Bentley P, McCarron M, Sharma P. Evaluation of the clinical utility of a carotid bruit. QJM. 2012;105(12):1171-1177. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcs140. PMID 22886230.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

Related Systems / Regions

CardiovascularNeck

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