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Skull base

The skull base, or base of the cranium, is the lower part of the skull that supports the brain and serves as a passage for important nerves and blood vessels between the brain and the rest of the body.

MRI Skull base
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI Skull base

4 495 kr

Contents

Quick version

What is the skull base?

The skull base consists of several bones that form a complex structure with cavities (foramina) through which nerves and vessels pass, it forms the bottom of the skull. The skull base supports the underside of the brain and separates the brain from the facial and neck structures. The skull base is a critical part in both protection and communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Anatomical parts

The anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossa are the three fossae into which the skull base is divided. It contains several bones such as the frontal bone (os frontale), the sphenoidal bone (os sphenoidale), the temporal bone (os temporale), and the occipital bone (os occipitale). Important openings such as the foramen magnum, the foramen ovale, and the optic canal are located here.

Function and significance

The skull base has both a supportive and protective function. It supports the weight of the brain, protects the lower parts of the brain, and allows passage for cranial nerves, spine, and blood vessels. The skull base is sensitive to trauma or disease due to its complex structure.

Common conditions in the skull base

The skull base can be affected by injuries or diseases such as skull base fractures, tumors, congenital malformations, and infections. Injuries in the area can affect the cranial nerves and cause serious neurological symptoms.

Skull base fracture

A fracture in the skull base often occurs as a result of severe trauma, such as falls or traffic accidents. Signs may include bleeding from the ears/nose, bruising behind the ears (Battle's sign), and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. Skull base fractures often require hospitalization and observation.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis is made with imaging diagnostics such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The treatment you receive depends on the condition and may include surgery, antibiotics, monitoring, or neurosurgical intervention for pressure or nerve damage.

Relevant symptoms

  • Headache
  • Visual disturbances
  • Hearing loss or tinnitus
  • Balance difficulties
  • Bleeding from the ears or nose
  • Neurological deficits

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Skull base fracture
  • Skull base tumor
  • Infections in the skull base (e.g. osteomyelitis)
  • Congenital malformations
  • Intracranial pressure

Questions and answers

The skull base consists of several bones: the frontal bone (os frontale), the sphenoidal bone (os sphenoidale), the temporal bone (os temporale), and the occipital bone (os occipitale). These bones form the base of the skull and contain openings through which nerves and blood vessels pass from the brain to the face, eyes, hearing, and spine.

A skull base fracture is a fracture at the base of the skull, often caused by severe trauma such as a fall, traffic accident, or blow to the head. It can lead to bleeding from the ears or nose, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, and nerve damage. The diagnosis requires emergency medical care and imaging for confirmation and treatment.

A skull base fracture is often detected by typical symptoms such as bleeding from the ear, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or bruising behind the ears. To confirm the diagnosis, computed tomography (CT) is used, which provides a detailed image of the skull's bone structure. Early detection is important to avoid complications such as infection or nerve damage.

Yes, surgery may be needed for conditions such as skull base tumors, congenital malformations, infections, or pressure on important nerves. Skull base surgeries are often very advanced and require neurosurgical expertise. The goal is to remove diseased tissue or restore function without damaging nearby nerves or brain tissue.

Yes, the skull base is crucial to the nervous system because several cranial nerves pass through openings in its structure. These nerves control vision, hearing, balance, facial movements, and sensation, among other things. Injuries to the skull base can therefore affect central neurological functions and often require specialized care.

The foramen magnum is the largest opening in the base of the skull and one of the body's most important anatomical structures. Here, the spinal cord exits the brain and enters the spinal canal. Important blood vessels also pass through this hole. An impact on the foramen magnum can cause life-threatening symptoms and requires immediate action.

Problems with the base of the skull are relatively uncommon but can be serious if they occur. They can be caused by trauma, tumors, infections, or congenital malformations. Although the incidence is low, it is important to identify and treat these conditions early because they often affect important functions such as vision, hearing, and balance.

A skull base tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue at the base of the skull. The tumor can be benign or malignant and affect nerves, blood vessels, or brain structures. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor but may include vision loss, hearing loss, or balance problems. Treatment often requires advanced surgery or radiation therapy.

Tests related to Skull base

Skeleton and Joints

MRI Skull base
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI Skull base

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Doctors comment
  • MRI scan of the nerves, vessels, bones and soft tissues of the skull base.
  • Recommended for nerve damage, facial paralysis, suspected tumor or unclear facial pain.
  • Shows tumors, vascular malformations, inflammation or pressure on cranial nerves.
  • Referral sent directly when ordering – specialist opinion included.

4 495 kr