Cranial ultrasound is an imaging study of the skull contents using reflected sound waves. It can only be used on infants, young children, and adults undergoing brain surgery. It can identify abnormalities in the brain and is used in prenatal and postnatal evaluations. It can also be used during surgery to identify masses and other abnormalities. The resolution decreases as the plates of the skull fuse, and MRI may be needed for older children and adults. Copies of the images can be kept on file, and patients can seek advice from a healthcare professional.
A cranial ultrasound is an imaging study of the contents of the skull done with the use of reflected sound waves. Ultrasound cannot penetrate bone and so this test can only be used on infants and young children with skulls that are not fully fused or adults undergoing brain surgery, in which the surgeon opens up the skull to access the brain. A doctor may recommend a cranial ultrasound to identify or follow up on abnormalities in the brain.
Before babies are born, an image of the skull and contents can be obtained through prenatal ultrasound and this can allow a doctor to identify early warning signs of conditions such as hydrocephalus, where fluid builds up in the brain . It is also possible to identify severe congenital anomalies such as encephaly, in which the brain does not develop. This type of cranial ultrasound may be part of routine prenatal ultrasounds, and a doctor may also request a closer look if there are specific problems.
After birth, a doctor may order a cranial ultrasound to evaluate a baby for birth complications, congenital conditions not detected before, and other problems. In cranial ultrasound, the doctor or technician moves a probe through the skull. The probe transmits and receives sound waves to create an image of the brain. As the plates of the skull fuse, the resolution will decrease, until the skull is solid and a cranial ultrasound can no longer be performed. You may need to consider other imaging options such as MRI for older children and adults.
Adult cranial ultrasound can be used during surgery. The surgeon may order an ultrasound evaluation of the brain after opening the skull to identify masses and other abnormalities. These should be visible on other imaging studies before surgery, but additional imaging during surgery can help the surgeon orient himself in the brain. The surgeon can also check for any missed masses before closure to reduce the risk of repeat surgery.
As with other ultrasound exams, copies of the images may be kept on file for reference. Patients can ask to be examined and can also seek advice from a healthcare professional who is familiar with ultrasound interpretation. A doctor or technician can discuss the visible structures, any abnormalities in the image, and the test results. Some patients and family members may find it helpful to watch a cranial ultrasound as they discuss a diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan.
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