Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound

What is Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound?

Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound is a specialized imaging examination used to evaluate the cranial sutures in newborns and infants, particularly during the first months of life.

The cranial sutures are the connections between the bones of the skull, allowing the skull to grow normally as the brain develops. The examination enables assessment of whether the sutures remain open, contributing to the early diagnosis of abnormalities in skull development.

When is Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound indicated and what conditions can it detect?

The examination is primarily performed in cases of unusual head shape, cranial asymmetry, or clinical signs of skull deformity.

Cranial ultrasound is used to investigate craniosynostosis, a congenital condition in which one or more cranial sutures fuse prematurely, affecting the normal growth and shape of the skull. Depending on the affected suture, different types of cranial deformities may occur, including plagiocephaly, scaphocephaly, and trigonocephaly.

Additionally, ultrasound helps differentiate craniosynostosis from positional plagiocephaly, a common condition in infancy characterized by skull asymmetry resulting from prolonged pressure on a particular area of the head due to positioning, without premature fusion of the cranial sutures.

Early identification of craniosynostosis is particularly important, as it allows for appropriate specialist evaluation and treatment planning when necessary.

Which anatomical structures are examined?

Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound allows the evaluation of the following structures:

Metopic (frontal) suture
Sagittal suture
Coronal sutures (right and left)
Lambdoid sutures (right and left)
Cranial fontanelles, when indicated

Is Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound safe for newborns?

Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and non-invasive examination that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation and does not require the administration of contrast agents or sedation.

The examination allows direct assessment of cranial suture patency and may, in appropriate cases, reduce the need for radiographic imaging. When findings are inconclusive or craniosynostosis is suspected, further specialist evaluation may be required.

At our practice, all pediatric ultrasound examinations are performed using state-of-the-art equipment by a specialist pediatric radiologist, with the infant's comfort and safety always remaining our primary priorities.

Testimonials

An excellent scientist with advanced knowledge, capable of diagnosing damage caused by rheumatic diseases and thus contributing to their effective treatment. I hope there are more scientists like her so that patients can continue to enjoy a good quality of life, as these diseases are incurable.

Alexia S.
I visited Ms. Plagou for a health problem I had with my right Achilles tendon. I congratulate her for her scientific expertise and her unique approach with patients. I thank her very much, and she deserves many congratulations, as do her polite associates.

Nestoras N.
As a surgeon I must simply say, UNBELIEVABLE!! Within 15 minutes I was completely rid of the intense discomfort in my shoulder that had been bothering me for several years. My shoulder feels as it was 10 years ago. Zero pain, incredibly free movement. Congratulations, Mrs. Plagou.

Dr. Dimitrios Alexopoulos
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Athena Plagou. With the Barbotage method she applied, she relieved me from terrible pains I had been suffering from for several months due to calcifications in my shoulder.

Before I learned about Dr. Plagou, I had tried cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, nothing yielded results.

I underwent the Βarbotage procedure in her clinic, very easily and painlessly. When it was over, I had stopped feeling any pain, and it has been three years since then without the slightest discomfort.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mary P.
State-of-the-art clinic and equipment, exceptional doctor with extensive experience and impressive specialization.

Eirini D.
Ms. Plagou is an excellent scientist with accurate diagnoses, distinguished in her field, and an exceptional person at the same time. She deserves congratulations!

Dr. Chrysovalantou Souhlaki
I had been suffering from Calcific Tendonitis in my left shoulder for over three months, resulting in severe pain. Before I learned about Ms. Plagou, I had tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physiotherapy, all without success, and I was on the verge of serious surgery with doubtful outcomes.

I underwent Barbotage in her clinic very easily, quickly, and painlessly. As soon as the brief procedure was over, my pain ceased, I slept well, and I quickly resumed all my activities.

I want to thank Ms. Plagou both for the impeccable handling of my problem stemming from her excellent scientific training, as well as for her kindness and friendly demeanor.

Zoe K.
I am very grateful to Dr. Athena Plagou. With her high specialization and professionalism, she accurately diagnosed and successfully treated the tendonitis I suffered from in both of my shoulders.

Other specialists I had consulted previously had suggested arthroscopy, which I did not want to undergo due to my age (86) and because the treatment was not guaranteed.

With the special method used by Dr. Plagou, the fluid causing the pain was absorbed, and the pain was immediately relieved without recurrence for the past four months. Besides her high specialization and effectiveness, Dr. Plagou is also very friendly and fully explains to patients the cause of the problem and the treatment process. Her assistant is also very friendly and efficient. Sincere thanks again.

Nikos K.
Her experience, her thoroughness and her love for what she does make her one of a kind. My daughter suffered for months with pain in her wrist. Having visited several orthopedists, having done magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays, only Mrs. Plagou found that she had fluid in her wrist and referred us to a pediatric rheumatologist.

I recommend her. Her assistant is also extremely helpful and kind.

Katerina A.
I want to publicly thank my colleague Athena Plagou for her immediate and effective intervention to treat the problem in my shoulder. The Barbotage method she applied, and in which she is specialized, quickly relieved me from the painful symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis. The return to my daily routine was immediate.

Dr. Vicky Bizimi