Health Information
Cranial Ultrasound
How It Is Done
This test is done by a doctor who specializes in interpreting imaging tests (Reference radiologist Opens New Window) or by an ultrasound technologist (sonographer) who is supervised by a radiologist. For a baby, cranial ultrasound may be done at your baby's bedside in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). With the baby lying on his or her back, the transducer is moved across the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head. You may be asked to hold your baby during the test. Pictures of the brain and inner fluid chambers (ventricles) can be seen on a video monitor.
For an adult, cranial ultrasound is done during brain surgery to help find a brain mass.
A cranial ultrasound usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
| 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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