Ultrasound of the brain is a safe procedure that is used for the timely diagnosis of various brain pathologies. The method does not require special training and does not cause any unpleasant sensations in the child.
Instructions
Step 1
Neurosonography, or ultrasound of the brain, is now prescribed for most infants. Ultrasound of the brain is used from birth and allows you to thoroughly study the structures of this organ, assess its condition, and draw a conclusion about the speed of development of the baby's brain. With the help of ultrasound, in the first weeks of life, it is possible to identify the presence of neoplasms in the brain, determine the immaturity of the convolutions and structural elements, and fix the presence of cerebrospinal fluid in the interhemispheric fissure. Timely screening for the baby is necessary to prevent the development of complications in the presence of any developmental defects and to exclude congenital anomalies of the brain structures.
Step 2
Neurosonography is performed for a limited period of time until the fontanelles of a newborn child close, so parents should prepare the baby for the procedure: for a baby, even a painless ultrasound scan can become a source of stress.
Step 3
The study is absolutely safe and painless, does not involve any discomfort and does not require specific preparation. Some babies sleep well during the procedure and do not experience anxiety. In order for the child to feel comfortable during the ultrasound scan, it is recommended to pre-feed him and change the diaper. A dry and well-fed baby will behave much more calmly than a child experiencing physical discomfort from hunger and wet clothes. For older children, you need to take a toy or a book with you to the clinic, which will help the baby to get distracted from the procedure.
Step 4
Ultrasound is most often performed through the large fontanelle. Less commonly, the doctor diagnoses through the occipital or temporal fontanelles. During the procedure, the child should lie quietly on his back, and the doctor drives the sensor in the fontanel area, having previously lubricated the baby's head with a special gel. The doctor's actions usually do not bother the baby: the sensor does not exert much pressure on the baby's head. If the child was put to sleep before the procedure, during the ultrasound, the specialist acts so gently and carefully that the baby can sleep peacefully without noticing the doctor's actions.
Step 5
If the first ultrasound of the brain revealed any abnormalities, then repeated procedures will be required with an interval of 1-2 months to track the dynamics of changes. The procedures do not cause side effects and do not affect the physical and emotional state of the child in any way, therefore, the ultrasound scan can be repeated without fear an unlimited number of times if there is a medical indication.
