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Specialist Fetal Brain Scan

Fetal Neurosonography in Nagpur
A Closer Look at Your Baby's Brain

When a question is raised about your baby's brain on routine scanning, fetal neurosonography provides the detailed, specialist-level answer — examining structure, development, and anatomy plane by plane.

Dr. Kunda Shahane — MBBS, MS, FIFM, FMF (London)Central India's First Fetal Medicine Specialist · GE Voluson Signature Expert
Optimal Timing24–28 Wks
Duration45–90 Min
Risk to BabyZero
MachineGE Voluson
📅 Book Appointment 💬 WhatsApp
Understanding the Scan

What Is Fetal Neurosonography?

Fetal neurosonography is a specialist ultrasound examination of the fetal brain and central nervous system that goes considerably deeper than the brain assessment included in a standard anomaly scan. While the anomaly scan screens for major brain abnormalities, neurosonography examines the developing brain in fine anatomical detail — plane by plane, structure by structure.

It is performed by Dr. Kunda Shahane on the GE Voluson Signature Expert, using dedicated neurosonography protocols with high-frequency transducers and, where needed, transvaginal imaging for optimal views of posterior fossa structures.

It is typically requested when a finding has been identified on a routine anomaly scan — or when there is a clinical risk factor that warrants a more thorough examination of the fetal brain and spine.

Scan at a Glance
Also calledFetal brain scan · Fetal neurosonogram
Optimal timing24–28 weeks (possible 20–32 wks)
Duration45–90 minutes
Risk to babyNone — standard ultrasound
MachineGE Voluson Signature Expert
Performed byDr. Kunda Shahane, FIFM
Fetal MRI needed?In selected cases — Dr. Kunda will advise
Detailed Assessment

What Dr. Kunda Examines in Detail

Fetal neurosonography evaluates every major brain structure — well beyond what a routine anomaly scan covers. Each structure below is examined systematically.

🧠
Cerebral Cortex

Sulcal and gyral development — the surface folding of the brain, which follows a precise gestational timetable

🔗
Corpus Callosum

Complete, partial, or absent — this white matter bridge between hemispheres is assessed in full across all segments

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Lateral Ventricles

Size and symmetry of the fluid-filled spaces — ventriculomegaly is the most common brain finding requiring neurosonography

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Posterior Fossa

Cerebellum, vermis, 4th ventricle, and cisterna magna — assessed for Dandy-Walker malformation and cerebellar abnormalities

⚡
Germinal Matrix

Site of neuronal production and a common location for haemorrhage in premature infants — assessed for cysts and bleeding

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Thalami & Basal Ganglia

Deep grey matter structures — their morphology and echogenicity are assessed for structural and metabolic conditions

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Circle of Willis

Colour Doppler assessment of cerebral vascular anatomy — detecting arteriovenous malformations and vascular anomalies

🦴
Spine — Full Survey

Complete cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine assessment for spina bifida, sacral agenesis, and cord tethering

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Arachnoid Cysts & Extra-Axial Spaces

Fluid collections outside brain parenchyma — classified by location, size, and likely clinical significance

Diagnostic Reach

Conditions Fetal Neurosonography Can Detect

ConditionWhat It MeansSeverity
Mild VentriculomegalyLateral ventricle 10–12mm — common finding; often isolated and resolves. Requires detailed assessment and follow-up.Variable
Moderate / Severe VentriculomegalyVentricle >12mm — higher risk of associated findings. Chromosomal testing and MRI often recommended.Significant
Agenesis of Corpus CallosumComplete or partial absence of the corpus callosum — can be isolated or associated with syndromes. Outcome varies widely.Variable
Dandy-Walker MalformationPosterior fossa anomaly with enlarged 4th ventricle, cystic space, and vermian abnormality. Often requires specialist counselling.Significant
HoloprosencephalyFailure of the forebrain to divide — ranges from alobar (severe) to microform. Associated with chromosomal abnormalities.Severe
Neural Tube Defects (Spina Bifida)Open or closed defects of the spine — from open spina bifida (myelomeningocele) to sacral agenesis.Significant
Intracranial HaemorrhageBleeding within the fetal brain — detected as hyperechoic areas. Cause determines prognosis. Requires prompt evaluation.Urgent
Arachnoid CystsFluid-filled cysts outside brain tissue — most are benign and isolated, but location and size determine significance.Often benign
Subependymal CystsSmall cysts in the germinal matrix area — usually resolving. Some patterns associated with CMV infection.Usually benign
Cerebral Cortical DysplasiaAbnormal cortical folding — lissencephaly (smooth brain) or polymicrogyria (over-folded). Limited detection before 28 weeks.Significant
Who Needs It

When Is Fetal Neurosonography Recommended?

Ventriculomegaly on Anomaly ScanAny measurement ≥10mm on the anomaly scan should be followed up with detailed neurosonography
Family History of Brain AbnormalitiesPrevious child or close relative with corpus callosum agenesis, Dandy-Walker, neural tube defect, or other CNS condition
Maternal CMV or Toxoplasma InfectionTORCH infections can cause intracranial calcification, ventriculomegaly, and microcephaly — detailed brain imaging is essential
Elevated AFP (Maternal Serum)Raised AFP is a marker for open neural tube defects — a full spinal survey is warranted
Choroid Plexus Cysts on Anomaly ScanCPCs are soft markers for Trisomy 18 — neurosonography helps exclude associated findings
Posterior Fossa Finding on Anomaly ScanEnlarged cisterna magna, cerebellar hypoplasia, or absent vermis seen on routine scan
Prior Fetal Brain AbnormalityIn a previous pregnancy — detailed brain assessment is recommended from an earlier gestational age
Unexplained Macrocephaly or MicrocephalyHead circumference outside the expected range warrants brain structural assessment
High-Risk Chromosomal FindingsTrisomy 13, 18, triploidy and some microdeletions are associated with specific brain patterns
📡 When Is Fetal MRI Also Recommended?

Fetal neurosonography and fetal MRI are complementary. MRI may be advised when ultrasound views are suboptimal due to fetal position or maternal habitus, when complex cortical development abnormalities are suspected (e.g. lissencephaly, polymicrogyria), or when the corpus callosum or posterior fossa findings need further characterisation. Dr. Kunda Shahane will advise whether MRI adds value in your specific case, and can coordinate the referral.

Your Appointment

What to Expect at Your Neurosonography Appointment

  • 1
    Pre-scan review and briefing

    Dr. Kunda reviews your anomaly scan report, referral note, and clinical history before the scan begins. She explains what the scan aims to answer and what findings she will be looking for.

  • 2
    Systematic brain imaging — multiple planes

    The scan is performed through the abdomen using the GE Voluson Signature Expert. Each brain structure is imaged in standardised planes — axial, coronal, and sagittal — with measurements taken and documented. If fetal position limits views, transvaginal ultrasound may be used for better posterior fossa visualisation.

  • 3
    Colour Doppler of cerebral vessels

    Blood flow assessment of the Circle of Willis and middle cerebral artery is performed where indicated — particularly if an arteriovenous malformation or vascular anomaly is suspected.

  • 4
    Full spinal survey

    The entire spine is imaged in longitudinal and transverse planes — from cervical to sacral — to detect open or closed neural tube defects and structural anomalies.

  • 5
    Results discussion and counselling

    After the scan, Dr. Kunda discusses findings with you in detail — what has been seen, what it means, what further investigations or follow-up are needed, and what the evidence says about outcomes. You leave with a written report and a clear next step.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fetal neurosonography?
Fetal neurosonography is a specialist ultrasound examination of the fetal brain and central nervous system that goes far beyond the brain assessment included in a routine anomaly scan. It examines the cerebral cortex, corpus callosum, posterior fossa structures, lateral ventricles, basal ganglia, thalami, and fetal spine in detail. It is performed when a brain finding has been identified on a routine scan, or when there is a clinical reason to examine the fetal brain more closely.
When is fetal neurosonography done?
The optimal window is between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, when the brain structures are large enough for detailed examination. It can be performed from 20 weeks and up to 32 weeks. Earlier scans may not fully show sulcal and gyral development, as the cortex is still smooth before 26–28 weeks.
My anomaly scan showed ventriculomegaly — what does that mean?
Ventriculomegaly means the lateral ventricles of the fetal brain appear wider than expected. Mild ventriculomegaly (10–12mm) is the most common finding and often resolves — but it warrants detailed neurosonography to check for associated brain abnormalities. Moderate (12–15mm) and severe (>15mm) ventriculomegaly carry a higher risk of associated conditions and require thorough investigation and specialist counselling. Dr. Kunda Shahane will explain the specific implications of your baby's measurement.
What is the corpus callosum and why does it matter?
The corpus callosum is a band of nerve fibres connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. Agenesis (complete or partial absence) can be associated with developmental delays or seizures in some children — though outcomes vary widely and many children with isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum have normal development. Neurosonography can assess it in detail, and a specialist consultation will clarify what the finding means for your specific pregnancy.
Is fetal neurosonography safe?
Yes. Fetal neurosonography is a non-invasive ultrasound examination — it uses the same sound waves as a routine scan, with no radiation, no needles, and no risk to you or your baby. It is simply a more detailed, longer, focused ultrasound examination of the brain and spine.
Will I need a fetal MRI after this scan?
In some cases — particularly for complex findings, limited ultrasound windows, or when cortical development abnormalities are suspected — a fetal MRI may be recommended as a complementary investigation. MRI provides additional detail about cortical structure that ultrasound cannot fully capture. Dr. Kunda Shahane will advise whether MRI adds value in your case.
How long does fetal neurosonography take?
The scan itself takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on fetal position and the complexity of findings. Please allow 90 minutes for your appointment including the pre-scan briefing and post-scan discussion. Bring your anomaly scan report and any referral letter from your obstetrician.
"The fetal brain is the most complex and the most humbling structure I examine. A measurement of 11mm in a lateral ventricle can mean many different things — and getting that distinction right requires not just the right machine, but the right experience with the right protocols. My commitment to every family who comes for neurosonography is this: I will look at every structure, document every measurement, and tell you exactly what I see — with honesty about what we know, and equal honesty about what we do not yet know."
— Dr. Kunda Shahane, MBBS, MS (Obs & Gynae), FIFM, FMF (London)
Fetal Medicine Specialist, Mayflower Clinic, Nagpur
Related Services
Anomaly Scan Fetal Echocardiography Fetal Brain Clinic Genetic Counselling Amniocentesis All Pregnancy Scans 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Kunda Shahane

Referred for a Fetal Brain Scan?

Send your anomaly scan report on WhatsApp and we will confirm your appointment within hours.

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⚖️ PCPNDT Act Notice

Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre strictly complies with the PCPNDT Act, 1994. All ultrasound services are performed exclusively for lawful medical indications. Sex determination and sex-selective practices are prohibited and punishable by law. Fetal sex is not disclosed at this centre.

Medical Disclaimer: This page is for patient education only and does not constitute medical advice. The interpretation of fetal brain findings requires expert specialist assessment — please consult Dr. Kunda Shahane for advice specific to your pregnancy.