Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Carotid Artery Auscultation

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Place the bell of the stethoscope lightly over the carotid artery (near the angle of the jaw and along the vessel) and ask the patient to 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 helpful
Rule out
Minimally helpful
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. Free DARE-quality-assessed summary at NCBI Bookshelf NBK126470. Comprehensive meta-analysis with meta-regression. Electronic databases searched to October 2011. 26 studies including 15,117 arteries identified.
  • 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.

Related Systems / Regions

CardiovascularNeck

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Carotid Artery Palpation
Rule in:HAortic Stenosis, HTakayasu Arteritis, SHAortic Dissection +7 more
Rule out:SHAortic Stenosis, IEAortic Regurgitation, IECarotid Artery Stenosis +5 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ophthalmoscopy
aka Fundoscopy
Rule in:VHGlaucoma, SHDiabetic Retinopathy, MHIncreased Intracranial Pressure +13 more
Rule out:SHGlaucoma, MHDiabetic Retinopathy, MHIncreased Intracranial Pressure +13 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Gait Assessment
Rule in:IEAcute Neurologic Event or Severe Pain, IEAlcohol-related Cerebellar Degeneration, IEBilateral Hip Arthritis or Disease +20 more
Rule out:IEAcute Neurologic Event or Severe Pain, IEAlcohol-related Cerebellar Degeneration, IEBilateral Hip Arthritis or Disease +20 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Babinski Reflex
aka Plantar reflex
Rule in:VHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, IEMotor Neuron Disease (ALS), IEMultiple Sclerosis +2 more
Rule out:SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, IEMotor Neuron Disease (ALS), IEMultiple Sclerosis +2 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Pronator Drift
Rule in:VHBrain Tumor, HStroke, NHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion +1 more
Rule out:VHStroke, MHBrain Tumor, NHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ankle-brachial Index
aka Ankle-brachial pressure index; ankle-arm index
Rule in:SHPeripheral Artery Disease, NHMedial Arterial Calcification (Incompressible Vessels), IESevere Peripheral Artery Disease (Critical Limb Ischemia) +1 more
Rule out:SHPeripheral Artery Disease, NHMedial Arterial Calcification (Incompressible Vessels), IESevere Peripheral Artery Disease (Critical Limb Ischemia) +1 more