Ultrasound may replace needle for brain pressure checks

This study tested a new, noninvasive ultrasound technique called SHAPE to measure pressure inside the skull. Nineteen adults who were already scheduled for a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) had their eye artery scanned with ultrasound after receiving a contrast agent. The goal was to see if the ultrasound readings matched the pressure measured by the standard spinal tap. If successful, this method could offer a safer, needle-free way to monitor brain pressure.