A skull X-ray is a scan that shows the bones of your head.
Your doctor may request it for selected head injuries, skull bone concerns, or follow-up after treatment. For many serious head injuries, CT is more detailed, so your doctor will choose the test that fits the concern.
About this scan
Common Indications for a Skull X-Ray
- Selected head injury checks
- Suspected skull bone fracture
- Swelling or tenderness over part of the skull
- Checking some foreign objects
- Follow-up after treatment or surgery
- Certain skull bone or sinus-related concerns
What exactly does a skull X-ray show?
It shows the skull bones and some nearby facial bones. It can show some fractures, bone changes, foreign objects, or abnormal calcification. It does not show the brain in detail.
Do I need to stop taking medication?
No. Keep taking your regular medication unless your referring doctor tells you otherwise.
What happens when I arrive for my scan?
The radiographer will confirm why the scan was requested and ask about the painful or injured area. You may be asked to remove items that could cover the skull on the image.
Is there any discomfort?
No. The X-ray itself is painless. If your head is injured, resting it against the detector may feel uncomfortable briefly.
Are there risks?
A skull X-ray uses a small amount of radiation. No radiation stays in your body after the scan. The team only takes the views needed.
What if the scan finds something?
Your referring doctor will explain what the finding means and whether you need treatment or another scan. Do not try to interpret the report on its own.
What can this X-ray miss?
Plain X-rays of the skull or face provide limited detail and do not assess the brain. CT is usually more informative for significant acute head or facial trauma, complex fracture, eye-socket injury, or complications of sinus disease. A normal X-ray should not delay further assessment when symptoms are concerning.
Seek urgent care after head or facial injury for loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, increasing drowsiness or confusion, seizure, new weakness, unequal pupils, clear fluid from the nose or ear, or new loss of vision.
Before your appointment
How should I prepare for a skull X-ray?
You do not need to fast. Remove glasses, earrings, hairpins, hearing aids, dentures, or metal objects around the head and neck.
During the scan
How is the procedure performed?
You may sit, stand, or lie down. The radiographer will position your head carefully and take images from different angles. You will need to keep still for a few seconds.
How long does a skull X-ray take?
The scan usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It may take longer if extra views are needed.
After your scan and results
When will I get my results?
A radiologist will review the images and send a report to your referring doctor. Urgent injury results may be handled faster.
Safety and special situations
Can children have this scan?
Yes. Children can have a skull X-ray when it is clearly needed. For some head injuries, the doctor may prefer CT or observation instead.
Can I have this scan if I am pregnant?
Sources and summary
Sources and further reading
Conclusion
A skull X-ray is a quick test for selected skull bone questions. To make it smoother, remove hairpins and other head or neck metal items before the scan.