Sinus X-ray

A sinus x-ray is an x-ray of the air-filled cavities called sinuses located within the bones of the skull.
A sinus X-ray may be performed to:

Detect injury or other problems in the sinuses,
To assess inflammation or infection,
To determine the location and size of a tumour or other mass,
Evaluate the sinus post-operatively.

Preparation

There is no preparation required for an x-ray of the sinuses.

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken.

Procedure

You'll need to remove any clothing, jewellery or other objects that may interfere with the procedure such as earrings, nose rings, hair clips. Dentures and glasses will also need to be reviewed.

You will be either sitting or standing with your head facing and against the x-ray plate. Depending on the reason for the x-ray there may be multiple views taken to allow the doctor to see your sinuses at different angles. Whatever the position you will be required to hold your head completely still to obtain clear pictures of the face.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the x-ray and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.

Results

A specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report to your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on the computer. If you are an out-patient then a disc of images can be made available within 5 working days after the scan.