Stanford researchers have improved the technology used to diagnose a common form of birth injury in newborns, according to the Stanford Scope blog.
Mini-strokes, caused by breaks in tiny blood vessels, can occur during or soon after birth. These brain injuries are fairly common in preemies, though full-term babies can experience them, too. Ultrasound scans of babies’ brains allow doctors to see the injuries, but until now these scans haven’t given much information on tiny patients’ likely long-term outcomes.
The new research expands the capability of ultrasounds beyond showing only brain structure, to provide a real-time window into brain function.
Read more at Stanford.
