Health Information
Cranial Ultrasound
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 look for periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). IVH and PVL increase a baby's risk of developing disabilities, including cerebral palsy or an intellectual disability.
- To screen for brain problems that may be present from birth (such as Reference congenital hydrocephalus Opens New Window).
- To evaluate an enlarging head.
- To look for 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.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference December 5, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology |
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