Private Paediatric Ultrasound Clinic in Birmingham

How Paediatric Ultrasounds Can Support A Diagnosis

Paediatric ultrasounds are an efficient way to get to the source of a diagnosis. Through a painless, non-invasive method, physicians can get a clear picture of your child’s internal organs and tissue using sound waves. The imagery produced, also known as sonography, shows in real-time what your child is experiencing internally. 

At Midland Health, we have expertise and facilities to carry out a range of different paediatric ultrasounds, including:

• Abdomen Ultrasounds - Used to investigate internal stomach pains which, in the most severe cases, can result in the detection of liver disease, bladder stones, kidney problems and cancer.
• Hernia Ultrasounds - When a hernia is suspected, a hernia ultrasound will help to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition. This step is crucial in arranging the appropriate treatment plan.
• Kidney Ultrasounds - If a child’s discomfort stems from the kidney region, a renal ultrasound is used to rule out/detect infection, tumours, cysts, abscesses, fluid collection, and obstructions. The sonographer will examine the size, shape and location of both kidneys.
• Testes Ultrasounds - Ultrasound scans provide a safe and painless diagnostic procedure when investigating issues with the scrotum. The process helps to identify undescended testicles or any abnormalities in the testes.
• Lumps & Bumps Ultrasounds - If your child is displaying worrying lumps and bumps anywhere on their body, our paediatric sonographers can perform an ultrasound scan to diagnose the cause of any abnormalities.
• Gynaecology Ultrasounds - These scans can look to assess pelvic pain and discomfort in under 18s. It is also possible to assess the ovaries, uterus and it’s lining; identifying any concerns here.

A Paediatric Ultrasound: What Does It Involve?

An ultrasound machine comprises a video monitor, a computer console and a transducer. The transducer is a hand-held device that is often described as looking like a microphone. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to produce a picture of what’s going on inside your child’s body.

The transducer that is used will be directly related to the type of ultrasound scan that your child is booked to have. Transducers can vary in capabilities; this device emits inaudible, high-frequency sound waves that pass through the skin and into the body. The returning echoes of the waves, their amplitude and frequency, are what help the computer produce an image. 

During the ultrasound, your child will be asked to sit or lie down on a bed in a darkened room. Of course, parents are welcomed in for reassurance. Depending on where the scan is, the clothing in this area will need to be removed or held out the way. 

Next, a clear gel will be applied to the area and a transducer camera probe will be moved across the surface of the skin. The camera will project black, white and grey images onto a screen. Your sonographer will be saving these images and sending them to your referring Midland Health GP, other doctor or paediatrician, allowing them to get to the source of the problem. 

Our Paediatric Ultrasound Services

Ultrasounds are an extremely useful medical tool. Unlike x-rays, sonography can provide a window into the internal workings of the body without using any harmful radiation.

With real-time imagery, it is possible to not only locate the source of a child’s pain but also visualise the structure and movement of their organs. The technology involved is advanced enough to show blood vessels and the blood supply flowing through. When a paediatric sonographer captures the images and video loop of the internal workings, they are also able to see a wide range of conditions. This list is inclusive, but not exhaustive of the following:

Vascular Malformations - As ultrasound imagery can show blood vessels and blood flow, it is possible to discover blockages and problems here. Untreated issues can be extremely serious, especially if they impede airways and blood flow to organs. 

Pyloric Stenosis - This is the opening between the stomach and the small intestine. Normally, food passes between the two via the pyloric valve. However, if there are blockages here known as gastric outlet obstructions, babies and children can suffer from projectile vomiting, hunger, stomach pains, bowel movements and dehydration.

Intussusception - A very serious condition which occurs when the one intestine slides into the adjacent intestine. This telescopic movement can block fluid and food moving within causing bowel obstruction and even blocking the blood supply.

Vocal Cord Paralysis - Through an ultrasound scan, it is possible to see when the nerve impulses moving to the larynx (voice box) are interrupted. This disruption can result in difficulty speaking and breathing.

Hoarse Voice - Also known as the odd crying sound in young children. A breathy and raspy voice or cry is often a sign that there are problems surrounding the vocal folds of the voice box.

Neck Lumps in Children - While these are often benign, neck lumps can be a sign of bacterial or viral infection causing the lymph nodes to become enlarged. An ultrasound scan offers clearer pictures of the 200-300 lymph nodes that are located at the back of the throat, nose and neck.

Thyroid - A gland in front of the trachea (wide pipe). During an ultrasound scan, an overactive thyroid can be spotted. When this gland produces too many hormones, your heart rate and body temperature can be seriously affected.

Submandibular and Parotid Glands - These glands are located around the deep jaw and the front of the ear respectively. When these glands are swollen, it can be a sign of infection, cysts or a more serious condition. 

Fontanelle -  The soft spot on the head will also be visible during an ultrasound scan. If this area starts to bulge and your baby has a fever and is drowsy, seek medical attention straight away. 

Lymph Nodes - These clusters of cells are located around the body in the armpits, chest, abdomen and groyne, to name a few. They contain immune cells which are crucial for fighting infection within the lymph fluid. Problems here can be a sign of a more serious condition. 

Our Paediatric Ultrasound Team

Why You Can Depend On Midland Health

When your child is unwell, especially when your child is showing signs of discomfort, the whole family shares in their pain. With such long waiting times for NHS appointments, Midland Health strives to provide you with comprehensive healthcare exactly when you need it. With our state-of-the-art private clinic in Birmingham, our excellent medical professionals are on-hand to offer you the care you need. 

What sets us apart is our aim to offer:

• Timely appointments with professional paediatricians and sonographers
• No waiting lists or need for GP referrals
• Short-notice availability, giving access to specialists as and when required
• Medical advice that is up-to-date with the latest research and national guidance.
• Access to innovative medical technology
• Exceptional patient care

If you would like to arrange an appointment with our experienced private paediatric ultrasound clinic in Birmingham, contact us today on 0121 769 0999. Or, you can submit an enquiry form to us below.

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