How Can An Ultrasound Scan Help You Medically?

Ultrasound scans are used extensively to gain feedback about various body functions

. Sound waves are sent via a probe to various parts of the body. This probe can be external or internal. Echoes are sent back to a computer. They show how that part of the body is functioning.

Ultrasound scans are used extensively during pregnancy. They can check when the baby is due, if it has any abnormalities or Downs syndrome and the position of the placenta. Scans can detect ectopic pregnancies. This is when the embryo attaches outside the womb to a fallopian tube, ovary or cervix. They can also detect breech births where the baby is upside down. In this case the mother would need caesarean section. Expectant mothers may choose a private ultrasound scan to get a second opinion. Or they may want a private ultrasound scan that includes a package of photos, DVDs CD-ROM or USB drive.

While ultrasounds are best known for monitoring pregnancy, they can scan virtually any part of the body. They cannot scan through bone so they can't be used as a brain scan. We will start from the head down and discuss each part of the body. While scans cannot examine the brain, they can determine the blood flow to the brain. This is a critical factor in strokes.

80% of all strokes are caused by restricted blood flow. If detected early enough, arterial blockage can be removed and a crippling stroke can be avoided.

Many persons suffer from thyroid gland malfunctions. Ultrasound can detect lumps or enlarged thyroid. The scan can also detect how well the thyroid gland is functioning. As well, scans can monitor how well the oesophagus is performing.

Often muscle aches and pains are warning signs. Ultrasound can detect tendon tears in a rotator cuff, soft tissue swelling and bumps, bursitis and impingement.

Heart scans can monitor the opening and closing of heart valves. As well, they can determine the timing and velocity of blood flow to and from the heart.

Abdominal and pelvic scans are used widely. For women they would include the bladder, uterine arteries, kidneys, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The appendix may also be checked. For men the scan would include the testes, kidneys, testicles, bladder, pancreas and appendix if necessary. Kidney stones are often detected. The test will also indicate blood in the urine and blood flow in the pelvic area for both women and men.

Aches and pains in the lower legs may be an indication of poor circulation. An ultrasound would indicate the volume and velocity of blood flow to the legs. It could also pick up any blood clotting. As well it would indicate blood flow caused by leg swelling.

Medically, ultrasound can monitor almost any body organ. If detected sooner rather than later, irregularities can be treated before they cause serious body damage.

by: Maria Bronson

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