Head Ultrasound Research Paper

Head Ultrasound, Infant

An ultrasound scan of the head uses harmless, painless sound waves to paint a picture of the brain. It is done by placing an ultrasound probe (transducer) over the soft spot on a baby's head (fontanelle). Ultrasound is a safe, painless, noninvasive procedure. No X-rays are involved.
A head ultrasound tests for bleeding inside the head (intracranial hemorrhage). This is a common problem for babies who are born prematurely.
It is difficult to predict the presence or absence of intracranial hemorrhage by examination. For this reason, all infants weighing less than 1500 grams (about 3⅓ pounds) have a series of ultrasounds. Even if your baby weighs more than this, ultrasounds may be recommended due to prematurity and other factors.
• 28–30 days after birth: second head ultrasound.
• 40–45 days after birth: third head ultrasound. This may only be necessary for babies born at 26 weeks or earlier.
There are four types of intracranial hemorrhage that may affect the baby. These are:
• Periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PVH-IVH). This is bleeding in between and around the ventricles. In the intensive care nursery, PVH-IVH is the most common of the four types of