Cranial usg for neonates

Cranial usg for neonates

Cranial ultrasonography is a reliable and readily available tool for neonatal brain imaging. It has become indispensable in the care of neonates as it helps to detect common congenital and acquired brain abnormalities. The use of modern ultrasound scan machines with the appropriate choice of probes, settings and acoustic windows has improved the diagnostic value of the cranial ultrasound in experienced hands.The standard acoustic window for imaging is the anterior fontanelle which is suitable for viewing the supratentorial structures. However, supplementary acoustic windows can be used for better visualisation of brain stem and posterior fossa structures. Doppler studies help to assess flow velocities in major vessels. Though cranial ultrasound has numerous advantages, it has some limitations.