When should you get an MRI for a headache?

While many people with migraine don’t need an MRI, your doctor might recommend it if you have any headache red flags. These are sudden changes in headache patterns or certain signs that there may be a more serious underlying problem, including: Increase in frequency or changes in the intensity of headache.

What imaging is best for headaches?

CT and MRI examinations are called imaging tests because they take pictures, or images, of the inside of the body. Many people who have headaches want a CT scan or an MRI to find out if their headaches are caused by a serious problem, such as a brain tumor.

Which is better for headaches CT or MRI?

Rationale and Comments: When neuroimaging for headache is indicated, MRI is preferred over CT, except in emergency settings when hemorrhage, acute stroke, or head trauma are suspected.

Do I need a brain scan for headaches?

But most headaches that are categorized as primary (based on a person’s headache history and physical and neurological evaluation) do not require brain imaging studies. Brain scans are much more effective for identifying underlying causes of secondary headaches.

When is a brain MRI necessary?

A brain MRI can help doctors look for conditions such as bleeding, swelling, problems with the way the brain developed, tumors, infections, inflammation, damage from an injury or a stroke, or problems with the blood vessels. The MRI also can help doctors look for causes of headaches or seizures.

How do you know if you need an MRI?

An MRI is commonly warranted when there’s a need to view detailed images of soft tissues, such as cartilage and ligaments. MRI technology does this better than CT scans. This allows your provider to pick up problems that may be invisible using other imaging technology.

Do headaches show up on MRI?

An MRI can’t diagnose migraines, cluster, or tension headaches, but it can help doctors rule out other medical conditions that may cause your symptoms, such as: A brain tumor. An infection in your brain, called an abscess. The buildup of fluid in the brain, called hydrocephalus.

Why would a neurologist order an MRI of the brain?

MRI is used to diagnose stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain and spinal cord tumors, inflammation, infection, vascular irregularities, brain damage associated with epilepsy, abnormally developed brain regions, and some neurodegenerative disorders.

Why would a doctor order an MRI?

An MRI provides a clearer picture of abnormal tissues. It is a better scan for looking at ligaments and tendons, your spinal cord and other soft tissues. A CT scan can give you a higher-quality picture of bones and is better for diagnosing chest and lung problems as well as detecting some cancers.

Why would a neurologist order a brain MRI?

What does a brain MRI show headaches?

When should you not get an MRI?

Would an MRI Be Unsafe for Me?

  • You Have Metal in Your Body.
  • You Have Kidney Problems.
  • You Recently Became Pregnant.
  • You’re Allergic to the Contrast Dye.
  • You’re Afraid of Tight Spaces.
  • You Can’t Lie Still.
  • Talk to Your Doctor.