Migraine CT

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

## Overview

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Neuroimaging is not necessary in patients with a clinical diagnosis of migraine. Head images such CT and MRI might be needed to rule out other suspected possible causes of headache. It is suggested to order a CT scan without contrast among patients with an unusual headache.

## CT And MRI

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CT is indicated in patients with: [1] [2]

* Abnormal physical examination
* Increase of headache's frequency
* Poor coordination
* Focal neurologic signs
* Headache's awakening the patient at night[3][4]
* Atypical aura: sudden onset, lasting more than 1 hour, always at the same side and/or without visual symptoms
* Migraine attacks that begin after 50 years of age

CT is not indicated in:

* Patients with a diagnosis of migraine in accordance with the criteria for migraine.
* Differentiating a migraine from other primary headaches

## References

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1. ↑ name="pmid10993991">Silberstein SD (2000). "Practice parameter: evidence-based guidelines for migraine headache (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology". Neurology. 55 (6): 754–62. PMID 10993991.
2. ↑ Lanteri-Minet M, Valade D, Geraud G, Lucas C, Donnet A (2014). "Revised French guidelines for the diagnosis and management of migraine in adults and children". J Headache Pain. 15 (1): 2. doi:10.1186/1129-2377-15-2. PMID 24400971.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)
3. ↑ name="pmid8800932">Russell MB, Olesen J (1996). "A nosographic analysis of the migraine aura in a general population". Brain. 119 ( Pt 2): 355–61. PMID 8800932.
4. ↑ name="pmid7877390">Kumar KL, Cooney TG (1995). "Headaches". Med Clin North Am. 79 (2): 261–86. PMID 7877390.