X-ray - head
Key points
- The skull X-ray is used to examine the bones of the skull, including the facial bones, the nose, and the sinuses.
- The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician.
- Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant.
- The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Alternative names
Skull X-ray; X-ray - skull; Skull radiography; Head X-ray
Definition
The skull X-ray is used to examine the bones of the skull, including the facial bones, the nose, and the sinuses. See also sinuses 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.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
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
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.