Bed side neurosonogram – As essential tools in neonatal intensive care units

Abstract

In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), almost all babies have one or more risk factors for the development of intracranial abnormalities or intracranial bleeds. Early identification of any such lesion is very important in treatment, prognostication, and directing further therapy in such high-risk babies. As NICU care in India is advancing, we should evolve and adapt the new strategies to help us serve our babies better. Neurosonogram is one such tool, which now is essential in any tertiary NICU. Neurosonogram is an ideal tool for the primary screening of the neonatal brain. It can demonstrate many unsuspected cranial abnormalities. It has to be emphasized about its use as a screening modality for preterm and birth asphyxia neonates influencing their neurodevelopmental outcome. This is particularly important in the anticipation of potential preventive, protective, and rehabilitative strategies for the management of critically ill newborn infants.