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Cranial ultrasound produces images of the brain and the ventricles which cerebrospinal fluid flows. It uses sound waves to produce these images and this test is often used on newborns to evaluate complications related to premature delivery. In adults it is only used to show brain masses during brain surgery.

Since ultrasound can't pass through bone it is of little use when the skull has grown together which is why it is used either in babies where the skull has not yet grown together or in adults where the skull has been opened.

With premature birth there are complications that can arise and one of those complications is bleeding on the brain also called intraventricular hemorrhage or pervientricular leukomalacia. The brain tissue is damaged because of a decreased blood flow or decreased oxygen to the brain either during the delivery or right after. It can lead to mild to severe learning disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

Intraventricular hemorrhage is more common in preemies than term babies. It usually develops in the first 4 days after the baby is born and it can be detected most time in the first week after birth.

Pervientricular leukomalacia can take weeks and weeks to be detected and the cranial ultrasound will be repeated every 8 weeks if it is suspected.

If a baby has a large head cranial ultrasound will also be done to detect infection on the brain as with meningitis or encephalitis, as well as to check for other problems such as congenital hydrocephalus.

When a cranial ultrasound is done on an adult it is only done when the skull has been opened surgically and it helps to locate a brain mass. Generally this process is used on newborn babies to:

1. Detect if there is bleeding on the brain.2. Monitor complications relating to PVL or IVH.3. Determine a baby's risk of developing disabilities including mental retardation or cerebral palsy.4. Screen for brain problems.5. Detect abnormal growths around the brain.6. As a routine testing procedure for premature babies.

There is no special preparation. The technician will move the transducer across the soft spot on the top of your baby's head. This test is often done right at your baby's crib. It takes no more than 30 minutes and can be finished in as little as 15 minutes. There are no risks associated with this test.

Premature births occur every day. Many times baby has little complications because of the early birth but sometimes complications do occur and they can be minor to serious.

Using the cranial ultrasound will help your doctor determine what the well being of your baby is and the best course of action to ensure your baby either remains healthy or gets the treatment needed for a healthier future.