Brain / Head Ultrasound
Safe cranial scanning for infants through the soft spot.
A specialized, completely painless brain ultrasound scan for babies, performed through the open anterior fontanelle (soft spot) by consultant radiologists.
Book your baby's brain/head ultrasound below.
Gentle Infant Cranial and Brain Diagnostics
A brain or cranial ultrasound scan is a safe and painless way to examine the brain structures in infants. Because a baby's skull bones are not yet fully fused, they have a natural opening on the top of their head called the anterior fontanelle (or 'soft spot'). The ultrasound probe is placed gently over this area, which acts as a window to view the brain tissue with high clarity.
At LifeScan Malta, our specialist radiologists perform cranial scans to investigate rapid head growth, screening for fluid build-up, or following premature births. A detailed report is issued on the same day.
Cranial Brain Scan
Ventricles & Bleeding
We visualize the brain tissue and fluid-filled chambers to screen for:
- Hydrocephalus (abnormal enlargement of the ventricles or fluid build-up)
- Intracranial haemorrhage (bleeding, particularly in premature infants)
- Structural brain abnormalities or developmental cystic changes
- Increased intracranial pressure markers
Who Needs This Scan?
Common Indications
A baby head scan is commonly requested for:
- Rapid increase in baby's head circumference (plotted on growth charts)
- Premature birth (born before 32 weeks, to monitor brain development)
- Babies who had difficult births or low oxygen levels at birth
- Investigating bulges or abnormalities of the fontanelle itself
Simple Preparation Tips
- Best Timing: This scan must be performed while the baby's anterior fontanelle (soft spot) is still open—typically in the first 6 to 9 months of life.
- Comfort: Feed your baby just before the scan. A warm, fed baby is more likely to lie still and content.
- Duration: The scan is completely quiet, has no loud noises, and takes around 15 minutes.
Transparent, Dynamic Pricing
At LifeScan Malta, we believe in transparent pricing without surprises.
Because our booking fees are dynamic and subject to adjustments, the current up-to-date scan price is displayed directly in the booking widget below.
Prices are kept current in our digital calendar system so you never have to worry about outdated price lists on our pages.
Book Your Brain / Head Ultrasound
Select an appointment time below. Your appointment will be handled by our consultant specialists.
Why Choose LifeScan?
Experience board-certified expertise, same-day reporting, and state-of-the-art imaging.
100% Safe & Radiation-Free
Safe sound waves check the brain without exposing your baby to CT radiation or requiring MRI sedation.
Specialist Consultant Scanning
Every scan is performed directly by a consultant radiologist with pediatric hospital training.
Same-Day written Results
We discuss preliminary findings immediately during the scan and email a formal report on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Brain / Head Ultrasound.
Does the head scan hurt the baby?
No, not at all. The probe is gently rested on the baby's soft spot with warm gel. There is no pressure, no pain, and no loud noises.
How long is the fontanelle open?
The anterior fontanelle usually closes between 9 and 18 months of age. We can perform this scan up to about 9-10 months, depending on the size of the opening.
Can it check for fluid in the brain?
Yes. Ultrasound is highly sensitive at measuring the brain's ventricles to check for hydrocephalus (fluid accumulation).