Why is a cranial ultrasound done in children?
In babies, cranial ultrasound usually is done:
- As part of routine tests in premature babies. The test is used to find bleeding in the brain, such as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
- To look for any problems or to look for periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
- To screen for brain problems that may be present from birth. For example, it may look for congenital hydrocephalus.
- To check a head that may be growing too large.
- To look for infection or abnormal growths in or around the brain.
How is a cranial ultrasound in children done?
The test is often done at the baby's bedside in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Your baby will lie on his or her back. A device called a transducer is moved across the soft spot on top of the head. This spot is called the fontanelle. You may be asked to hold your baby during the test. Pictures of the brain and inner fluid chambers (ventricles) can be seen on a video screen.
How do you prepare for your child's cranial ultrasound?
In general, there’s nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
If an older baby is having the test, it may help if the baby is a little hungry. You can feed your baby during the test. This may help calm your baby so he or she will hold still during the test.
What do the results of your child's cranial ultrasound mean?
Normal: | The size and shape of the brain look normal. |
|---|---|
| The size of the brain's inner fluid chambers (ventricles) is normal. | |
| Brain tissue looks normal. There are no signs of bleeding, suspicious areas (lesions), abnormal growths, or infection. | |
Abnormal: | Bleeding in the brain may be present. This may be a sign of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The test may be repeated to keep track of the bleeding or to look for problems caused by the bleeding. |
| Suspicious areas or lesions around the brain's ventricles may be seen. This may be a sign of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). | |
| The brain and ventricles may be enlarged from the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This may be a sign of hydrocephalus. | |
| Abnormal growths may be present. This may be a sign of a tumor or cyst. | |
| Suspicious findings may be present. This may be a sign of encephalitis or meningitis. |
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