Cranial Ultrasound

Ultrasound, Brain

Results

Cranial ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to produce pictures of the brain and the inner fluid chambers (ventricles) through which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows.

Cranial ultrasound

Normal:	The size and shape of the brain appear normal.
	The size of the brain's inner fluid chambers (ventricles) is normal.
	Brain tissue appears normal. No bleeding, suspicious areas (lesions), abnormal growths, or evidence of infection are present.
Abnormal:	Bleeding in the brain may be present, which may indicate intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Repeated tests are often done to check the bleeding or to look for problems caused by the bleeding.
	Suspicious areas or lesions around the brain's ventricles may be present. This may indicate periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a condition in which the brain tissue around the ventricles is damaged.
	The brain and ventricles may be enlarged from the buildup of excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This may point to hydrocephalus.
	Abnormal growths may be present, which may point to a tumor or cyst.
	Suspicious findings may be present, which may point to encephalitis or meningitis.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: January 5, 2009
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
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