A head ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to pictures of the brain. During this exam, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the head and the images are recorded on a computer. The black and white images show the internal structures of the brain, including the ventricles (the fluid-filled cavities in the brain) and blood vessels, according to what was published by the “Kids Health” website.
Head ultrasound is performed only for children under 6 months of age, whose skull bones have not fully developed, that is, they still have a soft spot on the top of their heads, known as a fontanelle, because the bones prevent the passage of ultrasound waves, and the fontanel provides an entrance for sound waves to reach the brain.
Reasons for performing a head ultrasound
Doctors order a head ultrasound when there is concern about neurological problems in an infant.
Premature babies who need intensive care often have head ultrasounds to rule out neurological complications of prematurity, such as bleeding in the brain or injury to the white matter of the brain.
The doctor may also order a head ultrasound for a child with
Abnormal increase in head size
A bulging fontanel
Any neurological symptoms
A head ultrasound can generally help diagnose
Bleeding in the tissues of the brain or ventricles
Hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain and ventricles)
A mass in the brain, such as a tumor or cyst
Suspected complications of meningitis
You don''t have to do anything special to prepare your child for a head ultrasound, but you should tell the technician about any medications your child is taking before the test begins.
A head ultrasound can be done with the baby on its tummy or back, or even in the parents'' arms, if needed.
The room is usually dark so that the images can be seen clearly on the computer screen. A technician (sonographer) trained in ultrasound imaging will spread a clear, warm gel on your baby''s scalp (above the fontanel). This gel helps transmit sound waves.
