A system and method for controlling measurements gaps in a communication system (300). In an embodiment, an apparatus (370) is operable in the communication system (300) and includes processing circuitry (375) and memory (380). The apparatus (370) is configured to receive a measurement gap pattern (610, 710) to perform a radio signal measurement from the communication system (300), and determine a limited duration to apply the measurement gap pattern (610, 710) to perform the radio signal measurement. The apparatus (370) is also configured to perform the radio signal measurement during the limited duration of the measurement gap pattern (610, 710).