What is a Fetal Neurosonogram?
A fetal neurosonogram is a dedicated, systematic ultrasound examination of the developing brain and spine. While the routine TIFFA anomaly scan includes standard brain views, the neurosonogram studies the central nervous system in multiple additional planes and magnifications — the difference between a photograph of a building and a full architectural survey.
What Does It Examine?
- Ventricular system — early detection and grading of ventriculomegaly
- Corpus callosum — the bridge between the two brain hemispheres
- Cerebellum and vermis — coordination centers at the back of the brain
- Cortical development — the folding pattern of the brain surface for gestational age
- Posterior fossa — excluding Dandy-Walker spectrum abnormalities
- Spine — vertebra-by-vertebra assessment for neural tube defects
When is it done?
Most detailed between 24–28 weeks, when key brain structures are developed. A targeted early study at 20–22 weeks is possible when the anomaly scan raises a concern.
Who Needs a Fetal Neurosonogram?
- A question raised about the brain or spine on the routine anomaly scan
- A previous pregnancy affected by a brain, spine, or genetic condition
- Exposure to infections such as CMV, toxoplasmosis, or rubella
- Certain high-risk, IVF, or twin pregnancies
- A specific request from your obstetrician for detailed CNS evaluation
Why Dr. Mathew for your baby's brain scan?
Fetal neurosonography requires focused training because subtle findings can affect pregnancy management. Dr. Mathew is fellowship-trained in fetal imaging (Amrita Institute, Kochi) and works in a dedicated fetal scan centre in Kollam. He personally performs the examination, explains the findings face-to-face and coordinates with your obstetrician when needed.
Serving South Kerala: Referrals for dedicated fetal brain scans come from Kollam, Kottarakkara, Karunagappally, Punalur, Kayamkulam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Thiruvananthapuram — expertise of this depth is rare outside metro cities.