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Medical Video: Your Radiologist Explains: Pediatric Ultrasound of the Head
Definition
What is head ultrasound?
The ultrasound of the head works by reflecting sound waves to capture images of the brain and a fluid-filled space (ventricles) in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows. This test is generally done in infants to review complications that occur due to preterm birth. In adults, head ultrasound is performed visually during brain surgery.
Ultrasound waves cannot penetrate bone, so ultrasound tests that function to monitor the brain cannot be done after the skull (cranium) grows. Head ultrasound can be performed on infants before their skull bones grow or in adults who have had open surgery. This test can also be done to monitor problems in the brain and ventricular infants until they are 18 months old.
Ultrasound head for babies
Complications of premature babies include periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and cerebral hemorrhage, including intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). PVL is a condition in which brain tissue around the ventricles is damaged, possibly because of low oxygen levels or due to blood flowing to the brain before, during, and after labor. IVH and PVL increase the risk of disability in infants, which may include mild, or delayed cerebral palsy motor movement or intellectual disability.
IVH is more common in premature infants than babies born normal. When IVH appears, it will usually appear on the 3rd to 4th day after birth. Most cases of IVH can be detected by head ultrasound since the first week after a week of birth. Conversely, PVL requires several weeks to be detected. For this case, head ultrasound may need to be repeated 4 to 8 weeks after birth if PVL has been estimated. Some head ultrasound tests can be done to evaluate the area of the brain.
Head ultrasound may also be done to monitor the increase in the size of the baby's head, detect infections in the brain (such as encephalitis or meningitis), or examine brain problems that arise from birth (such as congenital hydrocephalus).
Head ultrasound for adults
Head ultrasound may be done in adults to help find brain mass. Because ultrasound cannot be done after the skull has fused, it can only be done in adults who have had open surgery on the brain.
When should I have a head ultrasound?
In infants, ultrasound heads function to:
- evaluate hydrocephalus, or ventricular enlargement, a condition caused by several factors
- detect bleeding in brain tissue or ventricles. this condition is called intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)
- assess whether there is damage to the brain tissue surrounding the ventricles, this condition is known as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
- evaluate congenital disability
- find the location of the tumor infection
In adults, head ultrasound is performed to determine brain mass during surgery, for safe disposal
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing head ultrasound?
Because ultrasound cannot penetrate bone, head ultrasound can only be done on babies whose cranial bones have not yet grown together. But, duplex doppler ultrasound can be done to evaluate the flow of blood flowing in the brains of children and adults.
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) usually cannot be detected until a few weeks after birth. Therefore, head ultrasound is usually carried out 4 to 8 weeks after birth. Because head ultrasound may find a specific area in the brain that may be infected with PVL, this test can be done again after a few weeks. Infants with PVL or intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) may grow normally or have disabilities, including cerebral palsy or intellectual disability.
Process
What should I do before undergoing head ultrasound?
There is no special preparation needed before doing this test. Adults may be asked to stop consuming products containing nicotine for 30 minutes to two hours before the transcranial doppler ultrasound test. Products that contain nicotine can cause blood vessels to shrink and give inaccurate results. The doctor will provide specific information about this test. If the baby is more than a few months old, this test will allow the baby to feel a little hungry. Babies may be fed during this test, so that they can feel comfortable and calm during the test.
What is the head ultrasound process?
This test is carried out by a radiologist who is expert in interpreting test results or sonographers. For babies, head ultrasound may be done on the side of the baby's bed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) room. The baby is lying down, the transducer is moved across the fontanel above the head. You may be asked to carry your baby during the test. The picture of the brain and fluid space (ventricles) can be seen in the monitor. For adults, head ultrasound is performed during brain surgery to find brain mass. USG head tests are usually carried out for 15 to 30 minutes.
What should I do after undergoing a head ultrasound?
Subsequent tests may also be needed, and the doctor will explain the reason for the need to be retested Sometimes, further tests are carried out because there are suspicious findings or need to be questioned through special imaging techniques. Further tests are also needed if there are abnormal changes when monitored.
Follow-up tests are sometimes the best way to find out whether the treatment is working well or abnormal conditions still occur.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal results
Normal brain size and shape.
The normal size of the brain fluid (ventricular) space.
Normal brain tissue. No bleeding, abnormal growth of infection, or lesion also does not appear.
Abnormal results
Bleeding occurs in the brain, which indicates intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Retesting is often done to check bleeding or to find out the problem that causes bleeding. There are suspicious areas or lesions around the ventricles of the brain. This may be a symptom of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a condition in which brain tissue is damaged. The brain and ventricles may enlarge and form large amounts of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This indicates hydrocephalus. Abnormal growth may occur, which indicates a tumor or cyst.
Suspicious areas are found in the brain, which may be indicated as encephalitis or meningitis.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
