Skull X-ray

X-Ray, Skull

Test Overview

A skull X-ray is a series of pictures of the bones of the skull. The nasal sinuses can also be viewed on a skull X-ray. Skull X-rays have largely been replaced by computed tomography (CT) scans.

X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, that are focused into a beam, much like a flashlight beam. X-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body. X-rays make a picture by striking a detector that either exposes a film or sends the picture to a computer. Dense tissues in the body, such as bones, block (absorb) many of the X-rays and look white on an X-ray picture. Less dense tissues, such as muscles and organs, block fewer of the X-rays (more of the X-rays pass through) and look like shades of grey on an X-ray. X-rays that pass only through air look black.

A skull X-ray may help find head injuries, bone fractures, or abnormal growths or changes in bone structure or size.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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