Head Ultrasound
Explanation | Before the head ultrasound | During the head ultrasound l After the head ultrasound
What is a head ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to take pictures of the inside of the body. A head ultrasound takes pictures of the inside of the head (the brain and ventricles of the brain). This procedure is performed by ultrasound technologists on babies.
Newborns have a diamond-shaped area in the front area of the top of their head known as the soft spot or anterior fontanelle. The reason it is "soft" is because the skull bones have not yet closed it up; however, there is skin and other tissue covering the spot.
When you touch the baby's head, you can feel this space between the bones and it feels soft. The ultrasound probe is placed over this soft spot because the ultrasound waves can pass through it easily, due to the lack of interference from bone. This results in the ability to take pictures of the underlying brain.
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Before the test
- Children ages 2 months to 1 year should have nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours before the test. Bring a bottle with you so your baby can drink the bottle during the exam. If your baby is breast fed, you can either pump and bring the breast milk in a bottle or you can breastfeed your baby during the test.
- If your child takes medications ordered by a doctor, give them at their scheduled time with a sip of water.
- When you come to the hospital, bring along a pacifier or favorite toy to help calm your baby if he / she is awake for the test.
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During the head ultrasound
While the head ultrasound is being done, your child will need to be still for 20-30 minutes. Often young babies can be held or calmed with a pacifier, toy or music box.
The ultrasound pictures are taken by rubbing warm gel over the soft spot on the baby's head, then moving a microphone-like device over the soft spot. The ultrasound test does not hurt and the ultrasound waves will not harm your child. Parents can stay in the ultrasound room during the test.
It is possible that during the procedure your child may experience some discomfort. Please tell the doctor, nurse or technologist if pain occurs.
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After the head ultrasound test
When the test is over, your child may return to regular daily activities and meals. The report for the test results will be sent to your child's doctor and he / she will discuss the results with you.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Rev. 3/07
