In recent years, many children have observed abnormalities in the functioning of the brain and disorders of intracranial circulation. In this case, it is very important to diagnose in time to start treatment. One of the most sought-after methods of diagnosis is ultrasound of the brain of a newborn. Ultrasound allows to determine the presence of pathological neoplasms in the structure of the brain, to assess the state of blood vessels and tissues. And, at the same time, it is safe for the health of the child, does not cause him any inconvenience and does not require special preparation. This method is also called neurosonography , and it is increasingly used for preventive examinations of infants.
Why does the ultrasound of the brain do so early?
Ultrasonic waves can not penetrate the skull bones, but easily pass through soft tissues. Therefore, ultrasound of the brain is possible only in infants until a year, until the fontanelles have overgrown. Later, it will be problematic, and such a survey will be impossible. Ultrasound diagnosis is easily tolerated by children, does not have harmful effects on cells and does not take much time.
To whom is this examination shown?
All children under one year are advised to undergo ultrasound diagnosis. This will allow time to identify the pathology of the development of tissues and blood vessels of the brain. Usually, this examination is appointed in 1-3 months. But there are children to whom ultrasound is vital. They are diagnosed several times in order to follow the dynamics of recovery. Which children are required to have ultrasound of the brain:
- if they suffered hypoxia;
- premature or low body weight;
- born as a result of complicated labor, a caesarean section, or having suffered a birth trauma ;
- if there is restless behavior, tearfulness, frequent regurgitation;
- children with an unusual form of skull;
- if they have pathologies of development of other organs or symptoms of neurological diseases: convulsions, delayed development or decreased muscle tone.
What can be determined with the help of ultrasound?
- boundaries of brain structures, their proper location or displacement;
- additional cavities in the brain, changes in his ventricles;
- the state of blood vessels, blood flow velocity, areas of insufficient circulation and cell death;
- presence of pathological formations: abscesses, tumors, hematomas;
- The ultrasound of the brain of the newborn allows to detect intracranial hemorrhage or dropsy in time.
What diseases are diagnosed with ultrasound?
Ultrasound helps to identify diseases:
- hydrocephalus;
- arachnoiditis;
- meningitis;
- edema of the brain;
- ischemia or hemorrhage;
- cysts or tumors.
All these diseases can lead to a delay in development, diseases of various organs or mental retardation. Therefore, it is very important to identify them as early as possible.
How is the ultrasound of the newborn's head done?
The procedure for ultrasound diagnosis does not require any preparation. The survey can be carried out even by sleeping children.
Usually the ultrasound of the brain is made to the child through the parietal fontanel and the temporal zones. If necessary, use the occipital region. The whole procedure takes about 10 minutes and the child is almost not noticed.
Even in the absence of any pathology, it is recommended that all children under the age of one do ultrasound of the brain. This inexpensive procedure will allow parents to make sure that their baby is all right.