What is a skull X-ray and what does it diagnose?

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Eden Experts

August 16, 2021

Learn everything you need to know about skull radiography, when specialists will request it and everything that this study can offer so that you have an appropriate diagnosis based on your symptoms. You'll also learn more about the risks associated with exposure to X-rays and how you can avoid them with alternative tests.

El Brain controls the most important functions of our body, and that is why any severe pain or a blow to the head should be treated from the outset by the best specialists. El clinical examination The fastest and most practical way to diagnose what is happening in the brain is skull x-ray, since it not only allows us to see the structure of Bones, but of the fabrics And muscles of the area.

What is a skull X-ray?

La skull x-ray It is one of the most requested by doctors when you suffer a stroke, since there are many conditions that can result from a Blow or injury in different areas of the head. X-ray beams are capable of projecting into images the entire internal composition of the bone system which protects our head, made up of eight bones.

Other reasons doctors may request an X-ray is when there are symptoms of infections in the mastoid bone, which is close to the back of the ear canal. This study is also appropriate when there are suspicions of chronic otitis What impacts the Middle ear, if you suffer from hearing loss O partial deafness, presence of pituitary tumor, acute sinusitis O poor positioning of the teeth.

Preparing for a skull X-ray

It is possible that if you have heard myths about the dangers of x-rays, you may be afraid of exposing yourself to X-rays. However, today the Technology It has allowed us to establish effective and controlled doses of radiation with innovative equipment that They don't put your health at risk, so you can eliminate those fears and reap the benefits of clinical testing.

Thanks to this control, for the case of the skull, a quantity of effective radiation of 1.2 mSv, which is equivalent to a natural exposure of 5 months to sunlight.

To do the study, all you have to do is go to the health center of your choice and to the best specialists without doing any previous procedure relevant.

In some cases, your doctor may tell you to have a Study with contrast. It is usually applied iodine orally or intravenously in these cases, and you must follow the instructions of the laboratory or clinic where the study is performed.

Said Contrast It turns out to be a very beneficial inert agent for skull radiography because increases blood flow and reflects images better of the area. If this is your case, it is likely that it is indicated that Do you drink a lot of fluids to get rid of the contrast through your urine.

What is the process of a skull X-ray like?

Depending on the health center, the skull study may be performed while you Are you lying on a table or they can simply tell you that you Do you sit in a chair. They will then bring the radiological equipment closer and give you instructions on the positions in which you should place your head to take the images. It should be noted that it is a painless process.

There is an exception where you can feel a Small discomfort depending on the indicated head position, and that is when there is severe injuries or blows. However, the expertise of the specialist comes into play here considerably, who must know the correct angle to do the test and not cause major injuries

Alternative or additional studies for the skull

Indeed, effective radiation doses have significantly minimized risks involved on the x-rays, and in addition, the number of times you can perform this study has been controlled to avoid risks.

That is why some experts recommend that when it comes to the skull they should be performed a maximum of two tests per year, which is equivalent to 2.3 mSv. In addition, there are other doctors who prefer other alternative or complementary tests to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, such as magnetic resonances And CT scans.

The reason is that these studies are not invasive and generate quality results, in fact, often with better resolution. Hence, everything will depend on the medical criteria and whatever condition you have. For example, if you have metals in your head, it is not recommended that you undergo an MRI.

What do I do after the X-ray and how will I get my results?

Skull X-rays do not require aftercare. If you had any contrast dye applied to you, it's very important to tell your doctor if you feel any symptoms after the test, such as dizziness or fever.

Los Results they are usually accompanied by a Interpretation of the radiologist. Keep in mind that only your doctor knows what each term means, and he is the one who must decide what steps to take regarding your treatment and what is your diagnosis.

Usually, you will receive the Results one to three days after your study. Many laboratories and hospitals allow you view them digitally. That way, you can easily save them and share them with more doctors, for example, if you need a Second opinion.

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