Skull X-ray

Alternative names:

head X-ray; skull radiography; X-ray of the head; X-ray of the skull

What the risks are:

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray.

Special considerations:

A CT scan of the head is often preferable to a skull X-ray to evaluate head injuries.