ct scan migraine report of patient pdf

What are the CT and MR findings of migraine headaches?

The CT results were usually normal, although atrophy, ischemic changes, and cerebral edema have been reported [1-3]. Only a few reports on the MR evaluation of patients with migraine headaches have appeared in the literature [4-6]. The prevalence of MR abnormalities in these patients has been considered to be relatively high.

What is a CT scan or CAT scan for migraine?

CT Scan and CAT scan are shorter names for computerized tomography scan. Although a CT Scan, CAT scan can’t definitely diagnose a migraine, it can help rule out other causes of the migraine symptoms.

Why would a doctor order a CT scan for a headache?

However, they may order a CT scan to help identify any underlying conditions that may be causing a person’s headache. A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a medical imaging technique that combines a series of X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of body parts.

Can imaging tests diagnose migraines?

Because serious abnormalities are rare in migraine sufferers, imaging tests are typically used only if there is a change in the migraine attack pattern or symptoms, a history of seizures, symptoms that might indicate a problem with the spinal cord or nerves such as paralysis, weakness, tremor or numbness.

Can migraines be seen on CT scan?

Medical professionals will not use a CT scan to diagnose migraine headaches. If a person is experiencing migraine, a CT scan will rarely show the cause of the pain. However, a doctor may order a CT scan or similar imaging test to rule out other causes of a person's headaches.

How do you Analyse a migraine?

Tests for Diagnosing HeadachesBlood chemistry and urinalysis. These tests may determine many medical conditions, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and infections, which can cause headaches.CT scan. ... MRI. ... Sinus X-ray. ... EEG. ... Eye exam. ... Spinal tap.

What does a migraine look like on a scan?

What does migraine look like on an MRI? In some people with migraine, MRI scans of the brain may show white spots or areas. These are caused by lesions or irregular areas in the white matter of the brain. White matter tissue is deep in the brain and is mostly made up of nerves.

Which test is used to detect migraine?

Computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. This helps doctors diagnose tumors, infections, brain damage, bleeding in the brain and other possible medical problems that may be causing headaches.

What is status migraine?

But a migraine that lasts for more than 72 hours is called status migrainosus. To treat it, you may need to go to the hospital to get help relieving the pain and dehydration from vomiting. A typical migraine can sometimes turn into status migrainosus if: You don't get treatment early enough after the attack starts.

What is best treatment for migraine?

Many people who have migraines find that over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help to reduce their symptoms. They tend to be most effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, as this gives them time to absorb into your bloodstream and ease your symptoms.

Can migraines Damage the Brain?

Migraines cause serious pain. If you get them, you've probably wondered if they have a lasting effect on your brain. Research suggests that the answer is yes. Migraines can cause lesions, which are areas of damage to the brain.

What happens to brain in migraine?

But during a migraine, these stimuli feel like an all-out assault. The result: The brain produces an outsize reaction to the trigger, its electrical system (mis)firing on all cylinders. This electrical activity causes a change in blood flow to the brain, which in turn affects the brain's nerves, causing pain.

What is a CT scan used for headaches?

A CT scan uses X-rays and computers to make images of the body. It can sometimes help doctors diagnose headaches and their causes. You might need one if you have headaches daily or almost every day or have a sudden onset severe headache. Doctors can't diagnose migraines with the test, though.

How do neurologists treat migraines?

Next Steps. If your neurologist finds that your pain is caused by migraines, they'll recommend a treatment plan to stop your symptoms and help prevent them from coming back. Doctors break up migraine medication into two main groups. You may use a drug to relieve your pain or medicine to prevent your pain.

Can migraine be cured?

There's no cure for migraines yet. But medications can help prevent or stop them, or keep your symptoms from getting worse. You can also avoid things that trigger your migraines. Lifestyle changes like easing stress and having good sleep habits can help, too.

Why are migraines caused?

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they're thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

How does a CT Scan, CAT scan for Migraine work?

In some scans, contrast dye is injected intravenously, through an IV to make the inside of the body easier to see.

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Abstract

Migraine is one of the most common and misunderstood disease encountered in general medical practice. Migraine extracts a significant personal, psychological, social, and economical toll from migraineurs and their families.

References (12)

ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.

How long before contrast CT scan?

Keep taking your medications as usual after you check with your doctor. Plan for your test to take at least an hour. Most scans take from 15 to 60 minutes. Ask your doctor any questions you have before the scan.

Can contrast material be used to see brain?

You may get a shot of "contrast material" into one of your veins, which will help doctors see parts of your brain more clearly on the image. Be sure to tell the doctor or nurse if you've had an allergic reaction to contrast material in the past.

Can a CT scan diagnose migraines?

You might need one if you have headaches daily or almost every day or have a sudden onset severe headache. Doctors can’t diagnose migraines with the test, though.

Can gadolinium be used for multiple sclerosis?

The guideline authors found no indication for the routine use of gadolinium contrast imaging short of a strong reason to suspect multiple sc lerosis or breast cancer. However, they did point out that some individuals with significant psychiatric co-morbidities might benefit from the reassurance of having a normal scan.

Can neurosurgeons diagnose brain tumors?

Neurosurge ons, on the other hand, often rely on neuroimaging of patients with non-specific symptoms as a way to diagnose brain tumors. 1,2. To cut through this lack of clarify, the American Headache Society (AHS) recently released an updated, evidence-based guideline. for neuroimaging in patients with migraine.

Should neuroimaging be used for migraines?

Most experts agree that neuroimaging should be used sparingly and with caution when diagnosing and treating migraine. Yet, when to use and when not to use neuroimaging has long been a vexed issue. It’s not always clear when the risks of neuroimaging are justified. Those risks include increased patient anxiety, the need for further testing which can ...

Is migraine a risk factor for MRI?

Despite the complexities and limitations in the evidence, the results of the review were clear. “Migraine alone is not a risk factor for an abnormal MRI or CT in the absence of risk factors. [A patient with] migraine alone without anything else, has no greater chance of having imaging abnormalities than [a patient without] migraine,” Silberstein said. “So if you took 100 people off the street with no problems and a hundred people with migraine, the imaging would be the same.”