Neurosonography (infant brain ultrasound) in Slavuta

What neurosonography shows

Until the bones of a baby’s skull fuse, there is a soft area between them, the anterior fontanelle. Ultrasound passes through it, so the doctor can see the brain ventricles, the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain, as well as the brain tissue itself, cysts and bleeding. Neurosonography helps detect enlarged ventricles, for example with hydrocephalus, and congenital changes, and track changes found earlier, including on a pregnancy scan.

The pediatrician measures head circumference at every routine check-up. If it grows faster or slower than expected for the baby’s age, neurosonography helps check whether the ventricles are enlarged and whether the structure of the brain has changed.

Not every part of the brain is equally visible through the fontanelle. To get a better view of the back of the brain, the doctor sometimes also places the probe behind the ear or on the back of the head. If a more detailed picture is needed, the doctor may order an MRI.

Neurosonography doesn’t assess your baby’s development. How your baby holds their head, follows a toy or reacts to sounds is checked by the doctor during an exam.

Neurosonography isn’t required for every baby. It is done when there is a medical reason: premature birth, low birth weight, head circumference growing differently from what the doctor expects, or changes found earlier that need follow-up. It is usually recommended by a pediatrician or neurologist after examining the baby.

Up to what age neurosonography can be done

Neurosonography can be done while the anterior fontanelle is open. On average it closes at around 14 months: in 38% of children by their first birthday and in 96% by 2 years. The clearest images are in the first months of life. After 6–9 months the fontanelle gets smaller and the scan may not show everything. So if your doctor has ordered neurosonography, it is best done in the first months. If the fontanelle has already closed and the brain needs to be examined, the doctor will order another test, such as an MRI.

How to prepare your baby and what happens during the scan

No special preparation is needed. Feed your baby as usual: a full, calm baby lies still more easily, and if your baby falls asleep, the scan is even easier. Bring a receiving blanket, a pacifier or bottle, the referral and any previous reports.

Your baby lies on their back with you nearby. The hat comes off for the scan, so in cold weather bring a blanket to keep your baby covered. The doctor puts a little gel on the fontanelle and places the probe on it, tilting it at different angles. Your baby only feels light pressure and the cool gel. No sedation or pain relief is needed. The scan usually takes no more than half an hour.

Take the report back to the doctor who ordered the scan. They will interpret the result together with your baby’s head circumference, development and behavior, so ask at the appointment what particular words in the report mean. A Viva Clinic pediatrician sees children from birth to 18 and can explain the results. Neurosonography at Viva Clinic is paid. Other tests at the polyclinic are listed on the ultrasound and diagnostics page.

When to call an ambulance

Don’t wait for a planned scan. Call an ambulance on 103 if your baby:

• has a seizure;
• has a bulging, tense fontanelle, especially with a fever or vomiting;
• is unusually floppy or hard to wake;
• starts vomiting or becomes drowsy after a fall or a blow to the head.