An X-ray of the skull can reveal fractures, and may show changes from normal that suggest bleeding, tumours or an abscess within the skull. Enlargement of the bony cavity at the base of the skull in which the pituitary gland lies suggests tumours of the gland. However apart from detection of fractures, CAT SCANNING and MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING provide more reliable information.
A skull x ray may detect bone fractures resulting from injury or disease. The skull x ray should clearly show the entire skull, jaw bones, and facial bones. Skull X-rays usually take about 10 to 20 minutes. In some clinics and hospitals, X-ray pictures can be made immediately on a computer screen. A skull X-ray is a series of pictures of the bones of the skull. In an emergency, the doctor can see the initial results of an extremity x-ray in a few minutes. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks associated with x-rays.