What is neurosonography in newborns and infants, how is it performed and what does it show? Scanning the brain of a child with ultrasound on neurosonography.

Each newborn baby is prescribed a comprehensive examination by various specialists, including a neurologist. A neurologist first of all examines the state of the child's brain. For this, it is used, that is, neurosonography.

What is neurosonography?

NSG is an ultrasound examination of the brain. It is used for early diagnosis of disorders in the brain and nervous system of the child's body. Ultrasound of the brain is carried out through the head fontanelles, which are completely closed by the age of the baby. Therefore, this echographic imaging is carried out for up to a year.

This procedure is painless, safe for the child, and parents need not worry. Ultrasonic waves emanating from the device pass through the soft tissue of the baby's fontanelles, examine the brain and return back. Thus, the doctor sees the most important organ of the child on the screen.

Previously, to diagnose abnormalities or diseases in the brain, children underwent head tomography under general anesthesia. Now the NSG procedure takes only 10-15 minutes.

is an informative, effective study, using which it is possible to determine deviations and pathologies in the work of the child's brain at the earliest stages. As you know, the sooner treatment is started, the better the prognosis for the health of the child.

All babies, without exception, should undergo neurosonography for prevention.

NSG is especially indicated in the following cases:

if the baby was born with a large weight;
if the baby is premature;
with non-standard forms of the cranium;
with infectious diseases of the child;
with head injuries, including birth;
in inflammatory processes in the brain.
with bleeding;
if the baby has a tumor;
with various malformations and.

What can neurosonography reveal?

Ultrasound of the brain will help identify the following diseases:

. A cyst is a vascular plexus in the form of a bubble, inside of which there is a liquid. Most often, cysts form during childbirth, but they can also appear for a number of other reasons. Birth cysts resolve themselves. The rest require some treatment.
Anomalies of the brain (congenital). They are defects or damage to the morphological development of the brain. The cause of such anomalies can be circulatory disorders of the brain, and birth trauma.
NSG can identify and establish the causes of increased intracranial pressure in crumbs.
Hemorrhages. Hemorrhages can be intraventricular and parenchymal. The first type of hemorrhage occurs in premature babies, or in babies who suffer from hypoxia. The second type of hemorrhage can be observed in an unborn child. In this case, immediately after childbirth, the baby is treated.

Thus, with the help of NSG, it is possible to detect and prevent the development of some serious diseases.

Neurosonography () is a diagnostic procedure that consists in examining the brain of a newborn baby using an ultrasound machine.

This study is carried out either for prevention, or on the recommendation of a neonatologist after the initial examination of the child, which is carried out in the first three weeks of his life.

The transducer of the ultrasound machine sends high-frequency waves to the brain, examining its structure and convolutions. The structure of the brain is reflected from these waves. As a result, an image appears on the monitor. The study is absolutely safe, does not cause discomfort and pain, does not require special preparation and anesthesia.

Until what age is the study done?

Neurosonography of newborns is performed from birth to twelve months, in the event that doctors suspect a pathology in the development of the baby's brain.

Ultrasound makes it possible to assess the state of the brain and its structures, which helps to make a diagnosis.

If the fontanel is already overgrown, then specialists conduct a transcranial ultrasound examination, it is somewhat more expensive.

What anomalies can be detected by the procedure

The study will help to "see" such pathologies:

Indications for research

As mentioned above, the indication for neurosonography is the doctor's suspicion of pathology during the development of the brain. The reasons for such conclusions may be:

Suitable for everyone

The undoubted advantage of this procedure is that it can be done to all babies, it does not cause any harm. There is only one necessary condition for an effective procedure - this is not an overgrown fontanel

The advantage of neurosonography over other studies of the brain is obvious. After all, for example, to conduct - And - examinations, complete immobility is required, which is almost impossible to achieve from a small child, any movement washes away the picture, so specialists have to resort to anesthesia.

When performing an ultrasound, anesthesia is not needed, there is no radiation exposure for the child, the procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary for an accurate diagnosis or confirmation that the pathology has disappeared.

How to prepare for a diagnosis

There are no special rules for preparing for this type of ultrasound examination. The most important thing is that the baby does not act up, does not turn his head, does not cry, so, of course, it will be more difficult for a specialist. Every mother knows what it takes to make her child happy.

Before the procedure, it is better to feed the baby, put on a clean diaper.

You can take toys, a pacifier, a bottle with you to calm the little patient in case he becomes naughty.

The course of the procedure

The procedure is not complicated, it will not cause any special difficulties. Mom spreads a diaper on the couch, puts the baby on her back, her task is to entertain the baby.

The doctor brings the sensor to the open fontanelles and begins the study from this part. That is why an open fontanel is so important. The fact is that the dense, thickened bones of the cranium do not allow ultrasonic waves to "penetrate" inside.

Then the specialist examines other areas that "pass" ultrasonic pulses. He translates the sensor to a thin temporal bone, and then examines the anterolateral fontanel, which is located on the line leading from the ear to the temple in front; this is followed by an examination of the posterolateral fontanel, this is a line from the ear to the temple from behind and a large occipital foramen, it is located directly under the back of the head.

All these zones make it possible to study the posterior, as well as the central parts of the brain, which are located at some distance from the large fontanel.

What are the features

If in the course of the study some kind of violation of the work and development of the brain was revealed, then there is no need to immediately panic. results and the conclusion must be shown to the neurologist who "leads" the child, he will prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may not be aggressive at all.

Be sure to in the presence of pathologies at the doctor's appointment, you need to ask about the advisability of vaccination.

For some diseases or deviations in neurology, vaccinations are not recommended, as they can only aggravate the situation, it may be necessary for a certain time to have a medical exemption.

About the results, their interpretation and norms

In conclusion, the specialist indicates the symmetry of the structure of the brain, its echostructure, the sensitivity of the pattern of convolutions and furrows. The examination protocol outlines the state of the subcortical zones, periventricular zones, the state and size of the ventricles, choroid plexuses, and cerebellar stem structures.

Only a doctor can make a correct description and decipher the results of the examination. All indicators are interconnected, and in one case, a slight deviation from the norm will not be critical due to the relationship of certain indicators, and in the other, it can be an alarming bell.

Reliable information and comprehensive answers to questions about the condition of the baby would be more appropriate to get from a neurologist. The doctor of ultrasound diagnostics is engaged in the interpretation of the results of the study.

In the table of developmental norms, depending on age, which neurosonography will help to identify

Why do an ultrasound of the brain of the baby?

The discovery of the ability of ultrasound to reflect differently from structures of different density was made 200 years ago, but in pediatrics this diagnostic method has become in demand since the middle of the 20th century.

Receive ultrasonic waves using piezoelectric crystals. Sound vibrations with a frequency of 0.5 - 15 MHz tend to penetrate soft tissue, encountering structures with different acoustic characteristics.

Most likely, this is a consequence of changes in adjacent structures of the brain. CT data are available for enlargement of the lateral and third ventricles, reduced cortical thickness, asymmetry in the temporal, occipital, frontal region. The hippocampus has reduced size and altered glutamate function, reduced amygdala and paripocampala. There are changes in the basal ganglia and the small brain, but it has not been proven whether these are caused by antipsychotic therapy or by the disease itself.

Symptoms and diagnosis of the disorder

In conclusion, the demand for BM has the following directions: diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic. Of course, it should be borne in mind that a BM that meets one of the goals should not meet with all. There is no doubt about the presence of CT in detectable neurostructural changes in schizophrenia, but the extent to which these findings, among other things, can be considered as BM at this stage is uncertain. Accordingly, before stable MDs can be identified, the enormous amount of work required to undertake the intended follow-up of large, possibly homogeneous, patient populations must be considered.

Sometimes the sound is reflected as an echo, hence the other name of the procedure - echography. Yielding to cutting-edge techniques, ultrasound has its advantages:

Does not harm tissues, fetus, chromosomes, has no contraindications and side effects;
It does not need special preparation, the introduction of anesthesia for examination;
Available at a very early age;
Doesn't take much time;
A simple procedure can be repeated more than once;
It is easily tolerated by children.

Why do an ultrasound of the brain in infants. Studies using the properties of sound vibrations are one of the most informative ways to study the structure of the infant's brain, on which both the effectiveness and timing of treatment completely depend.

Three-dimensional morphometric study of the craniofacial form in schizophrenia. Buckley4, Biomarkers in schizophrenia: a brief conceptual review, disease markers. Volume 35, Issue 1, Page 3 Endophenotypes in Schizophrenia: A Selective Review. Preliminary evidence of an association between minor physical anomalies and second trimester neurology in schizophrenia. Genetics and intermediate phenotypes of the schizophrenia-bipolar borderline. Smith Saunders Co. Philadelphia, Do we have any strong evidence of clinical benefit regarding the pathophysiology of schizophrenia?

Neurosonography

The study of the brain, which allows to reveal the limits of the midbrain structures, displacements, additional brain cavities, expansion of the ventricles, blood flow velocity and changes in the vessels that feed the brain, using ultrasound, is called neurosonography (NSG).

The method helps to diagnose a tumor, brain abscess, intracranial hemorrhages, underdevelopment, dropsy and swelling of the brain, complications from intrauterine infections.

Minor physical abnormalities in schizophrenia and mood disorders. Informational morphogenetic variants in newborns. Minor physical anomalies in schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. Minor physical abnormalities in schizophrenia: a meta-analysis. After a long wait, it's time to see a positive pregnancy test. My husband and I were so happy and the news that they were two made us go to heaven for happiness. The doctors said that my pregnancy would be serious because I had health problems and because it was a multiple pregnancy.

By examining the vessels and blood flow velocity on ultrasound, it is possible to identify a zone of ischemia (lack of blood circulation), infarction (cell damage due to poor blood flow).

For infants, ultrasound plays a special role, since fontanelles - areas free of skull bones - remain on the baby's head up to 1-1.5 years.

Without a craniotomy at this age, one can easily penetrate through these "windows", examining information about the work of the brain.

Everything went well until 27 gypsies. when they mistook me for an arrest because I had contractions and 1 cm of revelation. Therefore, with the help of doctors, I managed to keep them until the first day of 30 gypsies. Like any child born, Stefan and Krassimir were in critical condition, and the first 72 hours were the most important. While we were in the ward, we fought a bunch of other diseases. Both of my boys had very severe anemia which required many blood transfusions. Stefan performed hyperbilirubinemia and Krasimir was battling kidney failure and retinopathy in one eye.

The size of the fontanel also determines the possibility of studying brain regions.

A simple and accessible method makes it possible to use neurosonography in mass screening examinations of infants for the early detection of pathologies in the brain. In some maternity hospitals, the procedure is performed for all newborns, but this method has not yet become mandatory.

Once this state is called "water in the brain". With Stefan, we consulted with a neurosurgeon who sent us to do an MRI, this study confirmed that we have internal hydrocephalus. We've since had a follow-up MRI because if those ventricles are growing, you need surgery. We don't have a flap yet, and may God not get there. We also had a consultation with a pediatric neuroscientist who found a central incoordination. This doctor didn't lie to us.

Premature babies, as well as those born in difficult conditions, are sent for ultrasound by neurologists. Why babies do an ultrasound of the brain, you can learn from Dr. Komarovsky.

Preparation for the NSG

Access for examination of the baby's head is possible only through the fontanel - a membrane between the bones of the cranium, with the help of which the fetus, moving along the birth canal, adapts to the anatomical features of the mother's body. With an increase in intracranial pressure, excessive volume is discharged through the fontanelles.

In a full-term baby, by the time of birth, most fontanelles are overgrown with hard tissues, only the largest can be determined by touch - normally soft, pulsating, located at the level of the skull bones, sometimes also small.

In the first three months, while fontanelles are available, NSG is performed. The decoding of the results is not affected by the state of the child: he is sleeping or awake, crying or calm.

There is one limitation for dopplerography, which examines the vessels of the brain: the procedure is carried out 1.5 hours after eating. In other cases, special preparation is not needed. Where to do an ultrasound of the brain in a baby ?

You can check the address with your pediatrician, call the medical center or use the electronic round-the-clock appointment form to see a doctor on the website of the medical institution.

Read here. How do convulsions occur in infants?

Indications for NSG

The birth of a baby before the 36th week of pregnancy;
Birth weight - up to 2kg 800g;
The degree of complexity of childbirth ─ 7/7 points or less on the Apgar scale ─ (possible damage to the central nervous system with malformations: the shape of the ears, the number of fingers);
Hernia (protruding part of the brain with a membrane);
Absence of a cry at the birth of a baby;
Transfer due to birth trauma to intensive care;
Protracted or rapid childbirth;
Intrauterine infection;
The absence of labor activity after the departure of the waters with a conflicting Rh factor;
When examining a pregnant woman on ultrasound, a pathology of the brain in the fetus was visible;
1 month after caesarean section;
Use of auxiliary instruments during childbirth (forceps, vacuum extractor, etc.);
Non-standard head shape;
Birth injury;
With strabismus, convulsions, torticollis, paresis, paralysis.

With capricious behavior of the baby, constant regurgitation, tearfulness, if no pathology is found in other organs, an ultrasound of the head is prescribed. The effectiveness of the treatment of meningitis, encephalitis, genetic disorders, head trauma is monitored by ultrasound.

Hemorrhage, cysts, ischemia, hydrocephalus, intracerebral abscess are also diagnosed by ultrasound.

How is the procedure

Ultrasound is carried out through the fontanelles, if it is necessary to study the structure of the posterior cranial cavity, then through the back of the head. When laying the baby on the couch, on the temples (if there are still springs) and in the area of a large spring, a sensor lubricated with a conductor gel is installed.

Sometimes the neck area is also examined.

By adjusting the position of the sensor, the doctor examines the structures of the brain.

Children do not feel pain, the study lasts no more than 10 minutes.

An echographic image is projected on the display screen. Dense fabrics are highlighted in light colors, loose fabrics in darker colors.

Usually carried out sonometry 12 indicators of the brain. The measurements are compared with the standards, and the specialist gives a conclusion on the compliance of the ultrasound of the brain in the baby with the norm.

This is not a diagnosis yet, just a diagnostic tool for a neurologist. In case of serious deviations, clarifying studies (MRI, CT) are carried out.

Deciphering the results of the NSG

The norms for ultrasound of the baby are determined by the timing of his birth. But there are also mandatory criteria for deciphering an ultrasound of the brain in an infant:

Symmetrical arrangement of all brain structures;
All convolutions are clearly visible;
The cerebral ventricles and cisterns are homogeneous in structure;
The thalamus and subcortical nuclei are moderately echogenic;
Anterior horn of the lateral ventricle ─ 1-2 mm in length;
The body of the lateral ventricle is 4 mm in depth;
The interhemispheric fissure (in width ─ up to 2 mm) does not contain liquid;
The vascular plexuses are hyperechoic;
3rd ventricle ─ 2-4mm;
Large tank ─ 3-6mm;
Without displacement of stem structures.

After the study, the doctor deciphers and describes the results. For this, he has 12 normative criteria.

He evaluates the size and contours of the ventricles (this helps to diagnose rickets, hydrocephalus, and other pathologies). Then a study of the state of large vessels is carried out (this helps to identify cysts, hemorrhages).

Dimensions and contours of the cerebral ventricles

Normally, the appearance of the ventricles is a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid. An enlarged ventricle can mean hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull.

The disease is congenital and acquired. The cause of development may be intrauterine infection, malformations in the development of the fetus, hemorrhage.

Children with this diagnosis are distinguished by an increased head size, large fontanelles and a convex forehead.

Enlargement of the subarachnoid space

This zone, filled with cerebrospinal fluid, is located between the pia mater and the arachnoid. Normally, the width should be several millimeters. With an increase in this area, one can think of inflammation of the membranes after an injury or infection.

Cysts in the vascular plexus

These neoplasms are visible on ultrasound during pregnancy. They can develop in infants and in children of the second year of life. Cysts also occur in adults.

Subependymal cysts are located near the wall of the ventricle and develop after hypoxia and minor hemorrhage. They do not affect brain activity and do not require treatment.
Arachnoid cysts are located in the arachnoid membrane. Critical sizes ─ from 3 cm. They already put pressure on the brain, causing epilepsy. Such a cyst does not dissolve on its own.

Hemorrhages in brain centers

There is a pathology due to intrauterine infection, with conflicting blood rhesus, oxygen deficiency. birth trauma, bleeding disorders. It occurs more often in premature babies.

Such hemorrhages are of four degrees of complexity. With such a diagnosis, observation by a neurologist is mandatory, since the consequences of self-treatment are very dangerous.

Ischemia

Oxygen deficiency during ischemia can lead to damage to nerve cells. Occurs after premature birth, when the lungs are not sufficiently developed by the time the baby is born.

Damage to nerve cells is accompanied by a softening of the brain, which provokes disturbances in the development of the baby.

Meningitis

When the brain is infected, thickening and inflammation of its membranes occur. The disease requires immediate treatment.

Tumors

Volumetric neoplasms in the cranium are rare, the more important it is to be under the constant supervision of a neurologist.

With a significant number of “finds”, it is worth consulting with a doctor about prescribing vitamin D to the baby, which contributes to the rapid overgrowth of fontanelles. With increased intracranial pressure, this is not useful.

Consultations in such cases also require the terms or complete refusal of vaccinations. With closed springs, transcranial ultrasound is performed, which is less informative than NSG.

MRI can give a clearer picture of the disease, but mandatory general anesthesia for the baby is not always justified. The price of an ultrasound of the brain in a baby can be in the range of 1300 - 3800 rubles. The cost depends on the region where the examination is carried out: for Moscow it is 1600 rubles. and above, ultrasound of the brain in infants in St. Petersburg - from 1000 rubles.

Conclusion

At the thematic forums, parents are satisfied with the conditions of the examination. Only the conclusions of sonologists scare them.

But timely diagnosis significantly increases the chances of recovery, because the brain of an infant in the first year of life is immature, and the body's capabilities at this age are great.

Parents need to study the list of indications in order to understand that inexplicable crying, whims, shivering, convulsions are harmless “little things” indicating a pathology that is difficult to detect with age and no less difficult to treat.

More information

Ultrasound examination allows you to study the work and structure of internal organs. With the help of wave reflection, the finished data is sent to the monitor. Ultrasound of the brain in infants is a mandatory procedure for a preventive examination. Thanks to the data obtained, it is possible to judge the structure of the brain and the functioning of the vascular system. The study is carried out quickly and painlessly, it does not pose any danger to the child.

NSG (neurosonography) allows you to determine violations in the functioning and structure of all brain structures, as well as evaluate the work of the central nervous system.

NSG is carried out through the fontanel, which is located between the unfused bones of the skull. Thanks to this, the result will be accurate and correct. The fontanel is soft to the touch, a pulsation is felt. Normally, it should be at the level of the surface of the head. Swelling indicates health problems.

The NSG procedure does not require additional preparation - it is enough to free the child's head from the cap. The result is not affected in any way by the condition of the child, even if he cries, is naughty or calmly studies the situation. The procedure is carried out even when the child is sleeping.

What is the reason for this study

Ultrasound is a mandatory planned procedure in one month. In other cases, indications for NSG before the first month of life are the following cases:

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In one month, mandatory NSG is carried out in the following cases:

children who were born by caesarean section;
irregular head shape;
conduct a study to monitor the condition;
with such developmental disorders as torticollis, strabismus, paralysis;

For children older than one month, NSG is done according to the following indications:

evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for injuries or neurological diseases of the brain;
after infectious diseases (encephalitis, meningitis);
genetic and gene disorders;
head injury.

In some cases, an MRI of the brain is indicated, which is performed under anesthesia.

Interpretation of the results obtained during the survey

The results will depend on many factors - the term of delivery, birth weight. The norm for all children of different months of life is the following parameters.

All parts of the brain should be symmetrical in size and homogeneous in composition.
Furrows and convolutions have clear contours.
The absence of fluid in the interhemispheric fissure, and its dimensions do not exceed 3 mm.
The choroid plexuses of the ventricles are hyperechoic and homogeneous.
The size of the lateral ventricles is normal: anterior horns - up to 4 mm, occipital horns - 15 mm, body - up to 4 mm. Third and fourth ventricles - up to 4 mm.
The norm of a large tank is up to 10 mm.
There should be no seals, cysts and neoplasms.
Shells of the brain without changes.
The normal size of the subarachnoid space does not exceed 3 mm. If it is larger, while there is an increase in temperature and frequent regurgitation, then a disease such as meningitis can be suspected. If there are no concomitant symptoms, all other examinations are normal, perhaps this phenomenon is temporary.

The ventricular cavity should not be enlarged. Their increase indicates diseases such as hydrocephalus, rickets. During hydrocephalus, the child has a large head, a swollen fontanel. This violation causes frequent headaches, mental and physical underdevelopment.

The contents of the lateral ventricles (right and left) is cerebrospinal fluid. With the help of special openings, they are connected to the third ventricle. There is also a fourth ventricle, which is located between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata.

In the lateral ventricles, cerebrospinal fluid combines, after which it moves into the subarachnoid space. If such an outflow is disturbed for some reason, hydrocephalus occurs.

Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles (dilation) is observed in case of an increase in the amount of fluid. The disease can be diagnosed in children who were born prematurely, since the size of their lateral ventricles is larger.

If asymmetry of the lateral ventricles is detected on the NSG, the size is measured, the quantitative and qualitative characteristics are determined.

The main reasons due to which the ventricular cavity expands include hydrocephalus, trauma to the skull and brain, CNS lesions and other malformations of newborns.

A cyst of the septum pellucidum is usually detected from birth. The transparent partition is a thin plate, consisting of. Between these plates is a cavity resembling a gap. A cyst of the transparent septum is a cavity inflamed with liquid. The cavity accumulates and begins to compress adjacent tissues and vessels.

A cyst of the transparent septum is found on the NSG in almost all premature babies. After a while, it may disappear. If a cyst of the transparent septum was detected immediately after birth, then in most cases no special drug therapy is prescribed.

In the event that a cyst of the transparent septum has arisen due to injury, inflammation or an infectious disease, immediate treatment is required. Associated symptoms (pain in the head, impaired vision and hearing) may occur.

During the NSG, which is carried out every month after the discovery of a violation, the dynamics of the development and growth of a cyst of the transparent septum is determined. Depending on the growth rate and the cause of the cyst, further treatment will depend. Basically, drugs are prescribed that release this cavity of the brain.

If any violations were found during the NSG, a decision on medical withdrawal of all vaccinations is possible. Vaccinations can worsen the condition, so after the examination, you need to visit a neurologist.

Deciphering and clarifying the diagnosis is carried out by a neurologist. Only he can prescribe the correct treatment and observe the development of the disease in dynamics. He will also prevent possible complications and prevent other violations.

Sometimes the sound is reflected as an echo, hence the other name of the procedure - echography. Yielding to cutting-edge techniques, ultrasound has its advantages:

Does not harm tissues, fetus, chromosomes, has no contraindications and side effects;
It does not need special preparation, the introduction of anesthesia for examination;
Available at a very early age;
Doesn't take much time;
A simple procedure can be repeated more than once;
It is easily tolerated by children.

Why do an ultrasound of the brain for infants? Studies using the properties of sound vibrations are one of the most informative ways to study the structure of the infant's brain, on which both the effectiveness and timing of treatment completely depend.

Neurosonography

The method helps to diagnose a tumor, brain abscess, intracranial hemorrhage, underdevelopment, dropsy and swelling of the brain, complications from intrauterine infections.

By examining the vessels and blood flow velocity on ultrasound, it is possible to identify a zone of ischemia (lack of blood circulation), infarction (cell damage due to poor blood flow).

Ultrasound is performed if absent.

For infants, ultrasound plays a special role, since fontanelles - areas free of skull bones - remain on the baby's head up to 1-1.5 years.

Without a craniotomy at this age, one can easily penetrate through these "windows", examining information about the work of the brain.

The size of the fontanel also determines the possibility of studying brain regions.

Premature babies, as well as those born in difficult conditions, are sent for ultrasound by neurologists. Why babies do an ultrasound of the brain, you can learn from Dr. Komarovsky.

Preparation for the NSG

In the first three months, while fontanelles are available, NSG is performed. The decoding of the results is not affected by the state of the child: he is sleeping or awake, crying or calm.

You can check the address with your pediatrician, call the medical center or use the electronic round-the-clock appointment form to see a doctor on the website of the medical institution.

Indications for NSG

For a newborn, indications for mandatory ultrasound:

The birth of a baby before the 36th week of pregnancy;
Birth weight - up to 2kg 800g;
The degree of complexity of childbirth ─ 7/7 points or less on the Apgar scale ─ (possible damage to the central nervous system with malformations: the shape of the ears, the number of fingers);
Hernia (protruding part of the brain with a membrane);
Absence of a cry at the birth of a baby;
Transfer due to birth trauma to intensive care;
Protracted or rapid childbirth;
Intrauterine infection;
The absence of labor activity after the departure of the waters with a conflicting Rh factor;
When examining a pregnant woman on ultrasound, a pathology of the brain in the fetus was visible;
1 month after caesarean section;
Use of auxiliary instruments during childbirth (forceps, vacuum extractor, etc.);
Non-standard head shape;
Birth injury;
With strabismus, convulsions, torticollis, paresis, paralysis.

Hemorrhage, cysts, ischemia, hydrocephalus, intracerebral abscess are also diagnosed by ultrasound.

How is the procedure

Sometimes the neck area is also examined.

By adjusting the position of the sensor, the doctor examines the structures of the brain.

Children do not feel pain, the study lasts no more than 10 minutes.

An echographic image is projected on the display screen. Dense fabrics are highlighted in light colors, loose fabrics in darker colors.

This is not a diagnosis yet, just a diagnostic tool for a neurologist. In case of serious deviations, clarifying studies (MRI, CT) are carried out.

Deciphering the results of the NSG

The norms for ultrasound of the baby are determined by the timing of his birth. But there are also mandatory criteria for deciphering an ultrasound of the brain in an infant:

Symmetrical arrangement of all brain structures;
All convolutions are clearly visible;
The cerebral ventricles and cisterns are homogeneous in structure;
The thalamus and subcortical nuclei are moderately echogenic;
Anterior horn of the lateral ventricle ─ 1-2 mm in length;
The body of the lateral ventricle is 4 mm in depth;
The interhemispheric fissure (in width ─ up to 2 mm) does not contain liquid;
The vascular plexuses are hyperechoic;
3rd ventricle ─ 2-4mm;
Large tank ─ 3-6mm;
Without displacement of stem structures.

After the study, the doctor deciphers and describes the results. For this, he has 12 normative criteria.

Dimensions and contours of the cerebral ventricles

Normally, the appearance of the ventricles is a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid. An enlarged ventricle can mean hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull.

The disease is congenital and acquired. The cause of development may be intrauterine infection, malformations in the development of the fetus, hemorrhage.

Children with this diagnosis are distinguished by an increased head size, large fontanelles and a convex forehead.

Enlargement of the subarachnoid space

Cysts in the vascular plexus

These neoplasms are visible on ultrasound during pregnancy. They can develop in infants and in children of the second year of life. Cysts also occur in adults.

Subependymal cysts are located near the wall of the ventricle and develop after hypoxia and minor hemorrhage. They do not affect brain activity and do not require treatment.
Arachnoid cysts are located in the arachnoid membrane. Critical sizes ─ from 3 cm. They already put pressure on the brain, causing epilepsy. Such a cyst does not dissolve on its own.

Hemorrhages in brain centers

Pathology occurs due to intrauterine infection, with conflicting blood rhesus, oxygen deficiency, birth injuries, and blood clotting disorders. It occurs more often in premature babies.

Such hemorrhages are of four degrees of complexity. With such a diagnosis, observation by a neurologist is mandatory, since the consequences of self-treatment are very dangerous.

Ischemia

Oxygen deficiency during ischemia can lead to damage to nerve cells. Occurs after premature birth, when the lungs are not sufficiently developed by the time the baby is born.

Damage to nerve cells is accompanied by a softening of the brain, which provokes disturbances in the development of the baby.

Meningitis

When the brain is infected, thickening and inflammation of its membranes occur. The disease requires immediate treatment.

Tumors

Volumetric neoplasms in the cranium are rare, the more important it is to be under the constant supervision of a neurologist.

Consultations in such cases also require the terms or complete refusal of vaccinations. With closed springs, transcranial ultrasound is performed, which is less informative than NSG.

Conclusion

At the thematic forums, parents are satisfied with the conditions of the examination. Only the conclusions of sonologists scare them.

But timely diagnosis significantly increases the chances of recovery, because the brain of an infant in the first year of life is immature, and the body's capabilities at this age are great.

Immediately after the birth of a baby, the process of adaptation of all systems of his body to new environmental conditions begins. Functions that were not previously active are launched, the work of brain structures is enhanced.

To prevent the development of pathology, children under 1 year of age are prescribed an ultrasound of the brain. This method is used to detect developmental disorders and is the safest and most effective. However, many parents have concerns about this procedure. This is due to the lack of information about the progress of the study. How does head ultrasound affect a child? How much does the procedure cost? Where is the NSG held?

What is NSG, in what cases is the procedure prescribed for infants?

Ultrasound of the brain, which is prescribed for newborns, is called neurosonography. This procedure is a modern method of studying the brain structures of a newborn, allowing you to obtain information about its development and the presence of various abnormalities that may pose a danger to the health of the baby.

The NSG method is available for infants due to the incomplete formation of the skull bones. After birth, areas that are not covered by the bone membrane remain on the head of babies for some time. It is through these fontanelles that the NSG of the child's brain is carried out.

The study is carried out according to the principle of standard ultrasound. The ultrasonic wave passes through the large anterior and posterior fontanelles. Sometimes the doctor may also use the lateral fontanelles for better access to certain parts of the brain. The larger the size of the fontanelle, the larger the area of the brain available for examination. The possibility of using this method is limited to the age of the child 12 months.

To date, neurosonography is mandatory performed 1 month after the birth of a child. As a result, the procedure is prescribed at an earlier date if there are indications:

The planned procedure is indicated for infants at 1 month. It is carried out in the following cases:

childbirth occurred by caesarean section;
the baby has an irregular skull shape;
it is necessary to control the state when deviations are detected in an earlier period;
when diagnosing paralysis, strabismus or torticollis (we recommend reading:);
the baby often spit up food.

At the age of over a month, neurosonography is performed after head injuries, brain infections, and also to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. After 12 months, if necessary, an MRI of the brain may be prescribed.

Is special preparation required for the study?

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Before the introduction of this method, babies had to be subjected to general anesthesia if there were suspicions of disturbances in the work of the central nervous system. Examination of the brain of newborns using NSG is a completely safe procedure. For the baby, it does not pose any harm. The process of ultrasound is not accompanied by discomfort, does not cause discomfort and does not cause pain to the child.

No special preliminary preparation for the procedure is provided. The presence of the mother during the NSG is allowed, the doctor will answer all her questions if she is interested in something during the study.

The procedure is carried out in the presence of a large fontanel. It is possible to conduct an ultrasound in a state of sleep or wakefulness of the baby. The doctor will be able to do all the necessary manipulations, even if the baby is restless or crying - this will not affect the results in any way.

Sometimes, according to indications, the baby will have to additionally undergo Dopplerography simultaneously with neurosonography in order to assess the condition of the cerebral vessels. Before such a procedure, doctors do not recommend feeding the baby for 1.5 hours.

The order of the procedure

When performing an ultrasound of the head of a child, several areas are used. The anterior fontanelle is the main access site for a good view of the brain cavity. In addition, a specialist can examine some parts of the brain through the fontanelles located on the sides, as well as through the temporal regions and the foramen magnum.

The doctor performs all the necessary manipulations within 10 minutes. At the same time, the baby is laid on the couch, his mother or nurse can hold his head.

A substance is applied to the area of the fontanelles, designed to ensure the conductivity of ultrasonic waves. With the help of a special sensor, the doctor examines the image broadcast on the display and records the received data.

During the procedure, cisterns, ventricles, cavities of the transparent septum and other structures are examined. Of particular importance is the condition of the large tank, as its structure reflects disturbances in the development of the posterior cranial fossa.

For research, 2 types of sensors are used: convex or vector. When diagnosing disorders in newborns, a frequency of up to 6 MHz is used; during the procedure in a later period, the sensor frequency will be about 2 MHz. After the end of the procedure, the results are deciphered, the doctor makes a description and issues a conclusion.

Deciphering the results of the study, options for the norm

When evaluating the results of the NSG, the doctor takes into account not only the values of the norm and pathology. It takes into account the conditions under which the baby was born, whether the birth was natural, or whether the mother had a caesarean section. Parameters such as height, body weight and features of intrauterine development are also important. The normal parameters for babies at birth and at the age of 3 months are presented in the table.

What brain pathologies can be detected using NSG?

As a result of the study of the brain by ultrasound, structural disturbances may be detected, indicating a deviation from normal development. Some pathologies do not entail dangerous consequences for the baby, but there are those that require treatment.

To decipher the values obtained during the examination, you need to consult a neurologist who will study the results in detail and be able to identify the following pathological processes: Ultrasound of the brain of newborns is a completely painless procedure and allows you to quickly obtain the necessary data about the health of the baby. This is the safest and most modern method that shows early developmental disorders in children and has no contraindications.

If a child undergoes an ultrasound of the brain in a timely manner, then even the most severe deviations in development can be prevented or the degree of manifestation of the pathology can be reduced by prescribing appropriate treatment. To obtain the most accurate data on the results of the procedure, experts recommend performing it three times during the first 3 months from birth. The first examination is prescribed for 1-2 days, the second - at 1 month, the third time the baby undergoes NSG when he is 3 months old.

The cost of neurosonography

The cost of NSG of the brain of newborns depends on the following conditions:

location;
degree of qualification of a specialist;
model of the apparatus with which the study is carried out.

The average cost of NSG is from 1000 to 3000 rubles. Parents should know that the baby's brain develops rapidly in the first 12 months, so if deviations are found, the procedure can be prescribed several times. This is necessary for the correct assessment of the development of pathology and the prediction of possible consequences.