Skull x-ray Health Article

Definition

A skull x-ray is a picture of the bones surrounding the brain, including the facial bones, the nose, and the sinuses.

See also: Sinus x-ray

Alternative Names

X-ray - head; X-ray - skull; Skull radiography; Head x-ray

How the test is performed

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table or sit in a chair. Your head may be placed in a number of positions.

How to prepare for the test

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

How the test will feel

Generally, there is little or no discomfort during an x-ray. If there is a head injury, positioning the head may be uncomfortable.

Why the test is performed

This test may be performed when there has been trauma and/or injury to the skull or when symptoms indicate a disorder involving structural abnormalities may be present inside the skull (such as tumors or bleeding). The x-ray is also used to evaluate an unusually shaped child's head.

What abnormal results mean

A skull x-ray may show fractures, tumors, erosion or decalcification of the bone, or shifts in the soft tissues inside the skull. The x-ray may detect increased intracranial pressure, and congenital (existing at birth) anomalies (unusual structure).

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include the following:

• Dementia
• Friedreich's ataxia
• Hydrocephalus
• Malocclusion of teeth
• Mastoiditis
• Meningitis
• Multi-infarct dementia
• Occupational hearing loss
• Otitis media chronic
• Otosclerosis
• Petit mal seizure
• Pituitary tumor
• Senile dementia Alzheimer's type
• Acute sinusitis
• Chronic sinusitis