“When should you get an MRI for a headache?”
I am a 33 year old male and I have a headache. When should you get an MRI for a headache?
3 Answers
Should document how often and how long your headaches last. Also, if anything triggers the headache and what relieves you of the headache. Based on these factors, your physician may want to pursue an MRI or CT of the brain. An MRI uses NO radiation and a CT scan uses X-rays (radiation) to acquire images.
When your doctor orders one.
Your doctor will consider ordering an MRI of the brain for persistent or recurrent headaches, change in headache type/location, or a new headache. A headache with a neurological deficit will definitely require an MRI. A headache with a history of cancer would be a good indication for MRI. In general, your doctor will evaluate your headache history, examine you, and determine if an MRI brain should be ordered. If cancer or infection are considered, MRI brain with and without contrast would be ordered.
