X-ray of the skull
Last reviewed: 22.11.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The skull and spine reliably protect the brain and spinal cord from external influences, so the damage to the skull and spine is often combined with brain damage. At the same time, many diseases of the brain and its membranes lead to secondary changes in the skeleton.
Radial anatomy of the skull
The main and proven method of radial examination of the skull is survey radiography. Usually it is performed in two standard projections - direct and lateral. In addition to them, axial, semi-axial and sighting radiographs are sometimes required. Based on the survey and sight images, the position, size, shape, contours and structure of all the bones of the skull are established.
Radial anatomy of the brain
The main methods of the intravital study of the structure of the brain are now CT and especially MRI.
Indications for their implementation are set jointly by the treating doctors - neurologist, neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, oncologist, ophthalmologist and specialist in the field of radiation diagnosis.
X-ray anatomy of the skull and brain
Damage to the skull and brain
Radiation studies in the affected patients are carried out by the appointment of a surgeon, traumatologist or neurologist (neurosurgeon). The basis for this appointment is head trauma, cerebral palsy (headache, nausea, vomiting, impaired consciousness) and focal neurological symptoms (speech, sensitivity, motor impairment, etc.). In the direction of the clinician, a presumptive diagnosis must necessarily be indicated.
X-ray signs of damage to the skull and brain
Stroke
Disorders of cerebral circulation lead to a variety of clinical effects - from transient ischemic attacks to stroke, the third most frequent cause of death. In most cases, a blood flow disorder is associated with an atherosclerotic vascular lesion that initially may not be manifested with too expressive symptoms - headache, memory impairment, sleep disorders, etc.
Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the brain. Hypertensive syndrome
Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the brain can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Among bacterial lesions, meningitis, abscess and empyema are distinguished.
X-ray signs of inflammatory diseases of the brain
Skull and brain tumors
Clinical diagnosis of brain tumors involves great difficulties. Depending on the location and nature of growth, the tumor can cause both cerebral symptoms (headache, dizziness, impaired consciousness, personality change, etc.) and focal neurological disorders (visual, hearing, speech, motor impairment, etc.) . Moreover, the same tumor in different periods of development is completely "silent", it causes severe disorders right up to loss of consciousness.