Cranial Ultrasound: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
Cranial ultrasound usually is done only on babies:
- As part of routine screening of babies born prematurely to detect bleeding in the brain, such as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
- To monitor any complications or to detect periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). IVH and PVL increase a baby's risk of developing disabilities, including cerebral palsy or mental retardation. See an illustration of a child's cranial ultrasound
. - To screen for brain problems that may be present from birth (such as congenital hydrocephalus).
- To evaluate an enlarging head.
- To detect infection or abnormal growths in or around the brain.
In adults, cranial ultrasound may be done during brain surgery to help locate a brain mass.
| Last updated: | January 17, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology, Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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