Ultrasounds have become an indispensable part of medical diagnosis and treatment. All of us have heard of ultrasound. Usually, when we hear the word, the first image that comes to our mind is that of pregnancy. However, ultrasounds can be of different types depending on the method or the purpose.

Differences Based On Type of Imaging

• Doppler Ultrasound - This is used to capture images of blood flowing through the vessels in different parts of our body. They are used to detect clots, blockages, or narrowing of blood vessels.
• Bone Sonography - This can be used to diagnose osteoporosis by detecting the fragility of bones.
• Echocardiogram - This can be used to produce images of the heart and the valves.
• 3D Ultrasound - As the name suggests, this method creates three-dimensional images instead of the traditional, flat, two-dimensional ones.
• 4D Ultrasound - This method displays three-dimensional images as well, but in motion.

Obstetric Ultrasounds Used In Pregnancy

Ultrasound imaging can be used to detect pregnancy and assess its conditions. It can be used to determine the sex of the fetus, the due date, placental problems, multiple pregnancies, complications, or congenital disabilities.

Ultrasound Imaging For Diagnostic Purposes

Doctors often recommend ultrasounds to understand injuries or other conditions affecting internal organs.

• Abdominal Ultrasounds produce real-time images of abdominal organs such as gallbladder, liver, kidneys, appendix, and pancreas. They can help to locate the source of abdominal pain or assess abnormal enlargement of these organs.
• Pelvic Ultrasounds can help doctors analyze the condition of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, bowel, bladder, testicles, or prostate gland. They can detect kidney stones, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids.
• Chest Ultrasounds focus on the lungs, trachea, heart, and lymph nodes. They can assess blood flow in these organs and detect the presence of fluids in the organs or the chest cavity.
• Thyroid Ultrasounds can be used to diagnose overactive and underactive thyroid glands.
• Liver Ultrasounds throw light on the condition of the liver, including its shape and size. It can also detect tumors.
• Vascular Ultrasounds show the flow of blood through blood vessels in different parts of the body.
• Renal Ultrasounds deal with the kidneys and their function and can detect tumors and stones.
• Transvaginal Ultrasounds require the transducer to be inserted into the vagina to obtain internal images for diagnosing pelvic pain.
• Transrectal Ultrasounds require the transducer to be inserted into the rectum to detect lesions and other abnormalities.
• Transeosophageal ECG requires a transducer in the esophagus to get better heart images.
• Carotid & Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound Imaging is used for quick detection of blockages and aneurysm.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasounds produce images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints to help treat musculoskeletal conditions.

If you are living in Morristown, New Jersey, and feel curious about the nature of the procedure prescribed for you, you can visit Radiology Center At Harding.

Visual Aid Ultrasounds

Doctors use ultrasound imaging during medical procedures like needle biopsies. It helps them guide the needle to the affected area or extract tissues for examination.

Therapeutic Ultrasounds

The vibrations of ultrasound can help treat muscle strain, back or joint issues, runner’s knee, and other similar ailments. It stimulates the repair of soft tissues and alleviates pain.

Ultrasounds are safe, painless, and efficient. If your doctor has suggested it, you need not be alarmed. You can head to Radiology Center At Harding at Morristown, New Jersey, to find out more about the procedure and set up an appointment.