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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
18.6K
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Headache.
, Matthew T Whitehead1, Agustin M Cardenas2
1Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
|November 6, 2019
Summary
Headache imaging is often unnecessary, but CT or MRI may be needed for "red flag" symptoms like sudden onset or neurological deficits. These guidelines help determine when imaging is appropriate for various headache types.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Headaches are common, frequently benign, and often resolve without imaging.
- Certain
- red flags
- such as trauma, cancer, or neurological deficits, warrant further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline initial imaging strategies for specific headache presentations.
- To guide the appropriate use of CT, MRI, and noninvasive vascular imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria.
- Analysis of current medical literature using established methodologies (RAND/UCLA, GRADE).
- Incorporation of expert opinion when evidence is equivocal.
Main Results:
- Provides evidence-based guidelines for imaging in various headache scenarios.
- Addresses imaging for severe/sudden onset, optic disc edema, "red flags," migraines, trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, and chronic headaches.
- Differentiates appropriate imaging based on clinical features and patient history.
Conclusions:
- Imaging is not routinely required for most headaches.
- Appropriate imaging selection is crucial for headaches with concerning features to identify treatable causes.
- Guidelines support informed decision-making for headache diagnosis and management.
