Why MRIs Aren't Often Useful for Headaches

At least one in seven adults throughout the world have experienced a migraine, according to the World Health Organization. Tension headaches—often described as a tight feeling in the head—are even more common.

Although it is possible for headaches to be caused by a serious, underlying condition like cancer or a neurological impairment, it is rare. People with headaches often turn to MRIs or CT scans of the brain to find that underlying condition, but imaging usually isn’t beneficial.

Disadvantages of imaging for headaches

Imaging tests for headaches are rarely helpful and result in unnecessary healthcare spending. Here are some things to consider:

Imaging is not treatment

CT scans and MRIs can certainly help your doctor get a better look at what’s going on under the skull, but it rarely tells your doctor why you have headaches. Nor does it tell your doctor how to treat them.

Imaging is expensive

MRIs and CT scans can be expensive and, most of the time, the outcome is not worth the expense. If your test is inconclusive, your doctor may order additional tests or procedures that hurt your wallet even more.

According to Healthcare Bluebook, the cost for a CT scan of the brain is between $371 and $2,763, and a brain MRI costs anywhere between $475 to $5,342 in Utah.

When is it necessary?

Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing regular, severe headaches. While most symptoms and situations don’t warrant imaging tests, you may need them if:

You are diagnosed with cancer and experience new headaches
Your headaches are sudden with a bursting sensation, or if they are getting worse
Your headaches are different than those you’ve experienced before, especially if you are over the age of 50.
You are immunosuppressed
Your headaches occur after physical activity or occur persistently after a head injury
Your headaches are accompanied by serious symptoms like persistent fever, vision changes, confusion, abnormal reflexes

If your headaches are considered “normal” and you do not have any concerning symptoms, it is not likely that your headache is caused by a serious medical condition.

Options for treating headaches

Before resorting to a CT scan or MRI to diagnose and find a way to treat your headaches, talk with your doctor and see if you respond well to less-expensive treatment options.

Medications

Simple, over-the-counter pain relieving medications like Aspirin, ibuprofen or even those specifically geared toward migraine treatment, like Excedrin Migraine, can be helpful in treating mild-to-moderate headaches. Be sure to avoid prolonged use of these medications, as they can lead to ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and medication-overuse headaches.

Your doctor may also recommend certain prescription medications like antidepressants, beta blockers, triptans, anticonvulsants and others depending on your symptoms and needs.

At-home remedies

While one remedy might not work for everybody, there are several at-home methods to relieve your headaches, including:

Muscle relaxation exercises like yoga, meditation and deep breathing
Getting adequate sleep each night
Resting and relaxing in a dark, quiet space
Cold compress (ice pack) placed on the back of the neck
Gentle massage on the painful areas of the scalp

Botox

Most people think of Botox as a wrinkle cure-all, but Botox is also an FDA-approved method for treating chronic migraines in adults. Botox works by preventing your nerves from transmitting pain signals. Treatment lasts for approximately three months, but it can take several treatments to see the full effect.

Non-traditional methods

Research has shown that several non-traditional methods may be useful in relieving some symptoms of tension headaches and migraines. However, you should never start a treatment without first consulting with your doctor. Some of these methods include:

Acupuncture
Physical therapy
Behavioral therapy

If you suffer from frequent headaches and can’t find relief, don’t hesitate to contact your primary care doctor. In most cases, you won’t need any imaging tests to diagnose your condition, but your doctor can refer you to a specialist if s/he notices anything abnormal.