CQC RegisteredNo GP Referral NeededSame-Day AppointmentsWritten Report 24h
Private Temporal Arteries Doppler Ultrasound London
A Doppler ultrasound of the temporal arteries to help assess suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA) — a cause of new headache, scalp tenderness and visual symptoms in people over 50. No radiation. Written report within 24 hours.
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Quick Answer
Private Temporal Arteries Doppler Ultrasound London — at a glance
A private temporal artery Doppler ultrasound at London Private Ultrasound costs £249. This painless scan examines the temporal arteries at the sides of the head for signs of inflammation, which can suggest giant cell arteritis (GCA, also called temporal arteritis) — a condition needing prompt assessment. No GP referral needed, same-day appointments, report within 24 hours.
At a Glance
Scan Type
Temporal Doppler Duplex
Duration
20–30 min
Preparation
None required
Radiation
None
Referral
Not required
Temporal artery scan
£249
Results
Same-day verbal · 24h report
What It Detects
What this scan can assess
Signs of inflammation in the temporal arteries
The ‘halo sign’ associated with giant cell arteritis
Wall thickening of the temporal arteries
Blood-flow changes in the affected arteries
Findings to support or help exclude GCA alongside clinical assessment
Giant cell arteritis — Doppler findings
Finding
Description
Significance
Halo sign
Hypoechoic circumferential wall thickening
Key Doppler sign of active arteritis
Compression sign
Halo remains visible under probe compression
Supports a diagnosis of GCA
Wall thickening
Increased intima-media thickness of the artery wall
Indicates inflammation
Stenosis / occlusion
Narrowing or blockage of the temporal artery
Advanced inflammatory change
Temporal artery ultrasound findings in suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). The “halo sign” (hypoechoic wall thickening that persists on compression) is the characteristic Doppler feature. Ultrasound supports — but does not replace — clinical assessment, inflammatory markers and, where indicated, biopsy. Interpreted in full clinical context by our specialist vascular scientists.
What we measure — and what it means
Measurement
What we assess
Why it matters
Halo sign
Circumferential hypoechoic wall thickening.
The hallmark ultrasound sign of giant cell arteritis.
Wall thickness (IMT)
Thickness of the temporal artery wall.
Increased thickness indicates inflammation.
Compression sign
Whether the halo persists under compression.
Improves diagnostic specificity for GCA.
Flow / stenosis
Blood flow and any narrowing.
Assesses severity of arterial involvement.
What’s Included
What’s included
Doppler ultrasound of both temporal arteries
Assessment for the halo sign and wall thickening
Colour and spectral Doppler flow assessment
Same-day verbal findings from an Ultrasound Consultant
Written diagnostic report within 24 hours
When to Book
When should you book?
New Headache
A new, persistent headache, especially over the temple, in those over 50.
Scalp Tenderness
Tenderness of the scalp, e.g. when combing hair.
Jaw Pain
Aching in the jaw when chewing (jaw claudication).
Vision Changes
Any visual disturbance needs urgent medical attention.
Polymyalgia
Known polymyalgia rheumatica, which is linked to GCA.
Raised Inflammatory Markers
Blood tests showing raised ESR or CRP.
If Something Is Found
What happens if your scan is abnormal?
A clear onward pathway matters. Your result is explained in plain English, with a written report suitable for your GP, specialist or insurer.
No halo / normal study
A normal scan does not fully exclude GCA; we advise continued specialist assessment if suspicion remains.
Halo or wall thickening
Findings consistent with GCA support urgent rheumatology referral and treatment decisions.
Vision symptoms
Sudden visual loss with suspected GCA is a medical emergency — urgent same-day assessment is essential.
Systemic symptoms
New severe headache, jaw claudication or scalp tenderness over-50 warrants urgent medical review.
The Evidence
Why this assessment matters, the evidence
This scan is supported by recognised clinical guidance and standard vascular practice.
Temporal artery ultrasound is recommended as a first-line investigation for suspected giant cell arteritis, supporting prompt diagnosis to reduce the risk of vision loss.
NICE / BSR guidance on giant cell arteritis.
The halo sign on ultrasound has good diagnostic value for GCA when performed and interpreted by experienced operators.
Standard rheumatology/vascular practice.
Clinical figures shown reflect standard, widely-used thresholds and are interpreted in full clinical context. For personal medical advice, consult your clinician.
Our Team
Your vascular ultrasound team
Vascular scans are performed and reported by our team of Accredited Vascular Scientists (AVS) — fully-registered clinicians experienced in vascular ultrasound — under doctor-led clinical governance from our GMC-registered Medical Director.
Clinical governance: Mrs Arezoo Selahi (CQC Champion · Nurse Prescriber · NMC Registered) oversees clinical standards. For health-check packages, medication review is supported by Mr Ali Aghaei MPharm (GPhC Registered) and our Medical Director Dr Babak Soleimanpour (GMC: 6060555).
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does this scan cost?
At LPU, this scan is £249. Every scan includes a written diagnostic report within 24 hours.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can self-refer and book directly online, by phone on 020 7101 3377, or via WhatsApp. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
Is the scan painful or does it use radiation?
No. Doppler ultrasound is completely painless and uses no radiation — only sound waves. There are no known risks or side effects.
When will I get my results?
Your sonographer explains the findings immediately after the scan. A written diagnostic report is typically provided within 24 hours, suitable for sharing with your GP or a specialist if onward care is needed.
Who performs the scan?
Your scan is performed and reported by one of our Accredited Vascular Scientists (AVS) — such as Mr Pedram Aghaei or Mr Reza Farahmandfar — all fully-registered clinicians experienced in vascular ultrasound.
Who performs the medical review and content governance of this page?
This patient information page was prepared with AI-assisted editorial support and reviewed for clinical accuracy by:
Dr Babak Soleimanpour — MD, MRCGP, DRCOG · Medical Director / GMC-registered GP
Reviewed: 23/05/2026 — Next review due: 30/11/2026
This information is for general patient education and does not replace a medical consultation. If your symptoms or scan findings need further assessment, our clinical team will explain your results clearly and advise on suitable next steps, including GP, specialist or urgent referral where appropriate.
London Private Ultrasound (Ultrasound London Limited) is registered with the Care Quality Commission and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
What Our Patients Say
Rated 4.8★ by over 1,250 patients
Verified reviews from patients across Google, Trustpilot, Doctify and Top Doctors.
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4.8
Google · 1,256 reviews
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4.6
Trustpilot
★★★★★
5.0
Doctify
★★★★★
5.0
Top Doctors
★★★★★
“Reza Farahmandfar performed the scan and was extremely informative and helpful — simply a kind person. He genuinely cared and took the time. It never felt rushed. I would highly recommend him.”
T K Verified Google review
★★★★★
“Excellent service, highly recommend. Mr Farahmandfar explained everything with great patience and I felt at ease immediately. Thank you.”
Helena Nathanael Verified Google review
★★★★★
“The whole experience was excellent. The communication from booking was quick and welcoming, and I received my results there and then. Friendly and professional from start to finish.”
Margaret Zowa Verified Google review
★★★★★
“Absolutely delighted with the service. Expert advice from an experienced consultant who went the extra mile to explain and tailor his advice to my concerns.”
Dimitrios Karadimos Verified Google review
★★★★★
“He explains everything and shows you what he’s doing on the computer. Will recommend to family & friends. Staff are fab.”
Emily Wheatley Verified Google review
★★★★★
“Many thanks for an efficient and knowledgeable service — very impressive and reassuring.”
In the heart of London’s Harley Street medical district, we combine specialist vascular expertise with fast, patient-focused care.
Harley Street District
Located on Welbeck Street in the world-renowned Harley Street medical area, synonymous with the highest standards of private healthcare.
Accredited Vascular Scientists
Scans performed and reported by experienced, fully-registered Accredited Vascular Scientists (AVS) — not technicians.
Same-Day, No Referral
Self-refer and book directly, with same-day appointments often available 7 days a week at both clinics.
Fast, Clear Results
Verbal findings on the day and a written diagnostic report within 24 hours, explained in plain English.
Trusted Since 2012
Over 35,000 patients cared for, with 4.8★ on Google from more than 1,250 reviews.
CQC & ICO Regulated
Fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and registered with the ICO for your safety and privacy.
Registered & Regulated
Safe, regulated, professional care
London Private Ultrasound (Ultrasound London Limited) operates to the highest clinical and data-protection standards.
CQC Regulated
Registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission, England’s independent health & social care regulator.
ICO Registered
Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for the safe, compliant handling of your personal data.
Doctor-Led Clinical Governance
Clinical standards are overseen by our Medical Director, Dr Babak Soleimanpour (GMC-registered), with GMC-registered doctors involved in clinical governance and medical review.
Accredited Vascular Scientists
Scans performed and reported by fully-registered Accredited Vascular Scientists (AVS).
Established 2012
Trusted by over 35,000 patients across our Central London and St Albans clinics.
Here To Help
Visit us or get in touch
Same-day appointments are often available at both clinics. Our reception team is happy to help you choose the right scan. Our Central London clinic on Welbeck Street sits in the Harley Street medical district — convenient for Marylebone, Mayfair, Fitzrovia and wider London — while our St Albans clinic serves Hertfordshire and North London. Prefer to message? You can reach us on WhatsApp or Botim on +44 7414 165515.
Central London
27 Welbeck Street London W1G 8EN Mon–Sun · 9am–7pmGet directions →
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