Cranial Ultrasound

Abstract

B mode ultrasound of the brain parenchyma has been shown to have use in assessing intracranial pathology for decades but has largely been replaced by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. With increasing acuity of critically ill patients placed on supportive devices like continuous renal replacement or extracorporeal therapy that may be high risk for transport for computed tomography, ultrasound use can be a surrogate imaging modality. Patients in austere environments or remote areas with limited access to a health care facility with suspected focal pathology or hemorrhage may also benefit from screening with ultrasound. This chapter describes the main point of care applications of cranial ultrasound that can assist in serial assessments of patients until better neuroimaging is feasible.