Diagnosis & Imaging
Cranial ultrasound
Cranial ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to view a baby's brain through the soft spot, often used to detect hydrocephalus in infants.
In short: Cranial ultrasound
- It uses sound waves to image a baby's brain through the fontanelle.
- It does not use radiation and is done at the bedside.
- It is a key tool for monitoring hydrocephalus in infants.
- It is especially useful for premature babies.
What it is
Cranial (head) ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of a baby's brain, viewing it through the open soft spot (fontanelle). It is widely used to detect and monitor hydrocephalus in infants.
Understanding Cranial ultrasound
Because a baby's anterior fontanelle provides a window for sound waves, cranial ultrasound can image the ventricles and detect enlargement without radiation, and it can be done at the bedside — a major advantage for fragile or premature infants. It is commonly used to screen premature babies for intraventricular hemorrhage and to monitor ventricular size over time in babies with or at risk for hydrocephalus. As the fontanelle closes (typically within the first year or so), the ultrasound window narrows, so other imaging (such as MRI or CT) may be used as the child grows. Ultrasound is a convenient first-line tool in infancy.
Why it matters
Understanding cranial ultrasound helps families see why this safe, radiation-free, bedside test is so useful for detecting and monitoring hydrocephalus in babies, especially premature infants.
Common questions
How does cranial ultrasound work?
It uses sound waves through the baby's soft spot.
Does it use radiation?
No.
When is it used?
To detect and monitor hydrocephalus in infants, especially premature babies.
Bottom line
Cranial ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free, bedside test that images a baby's brain through the soft spot to detect and monitor hydrocephalus.
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