An Approach to Identifying Headache Patients That Require Neuroimaging

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Headache is a frequent neurological complaint.
• Deciding on neuroimaging for headaches can be challenging for clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an evidence-based approach for neuroimaging in headache patients.
• To enhance clinician confidence in managing headache scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical scenarios involving episodic and chronic migraine.
• Identification of secondary headache disorders in clinic and emergency settings.
• Discussion of pitfalls leading to over-imaging.

Main Results:

• A structured approach to neuroimaging in various headache types.
• Guidelines for differentiating primary and secondary headaches.
• Strategies to prevent unnecessary neuroimaging.

Conclusions:

• An organized, evidence-based strategy aids in appropriate neuroimaging for headaches.
• The approach aims to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs associated with over-imaging.
• A concluding flowchart summarizes the clinical decision-making process.