Are mris or cat scans better for migraines? i have been having migraines for some time now and want to get it looked into, but i was wondering whether an mri or a cat scan is better for that. or is there an even better test to diagnose what is causing he

There : There are many different causes for headaches and your doctor can narrow down the possibilities based on a detailed history and physical exam. Migraines have many stereotypical features that help your doctor confidently make that diagnosis, including a gradual onset with resolution over 8 to 12 hours. Sometimes the headache is preceded by a visual disturbance or other symptom known as an 'aura'. Light and sound may be particularly bothersome (photophobia and phonophobia). Usually an imaging test is not needed in the diagnosis of migraine. There are many drugs that can be used to effectively treat migraines, and good response to therapy is usually a sign that the diagnosis was correct. In some cases, more concerning symptoms may prompt your doctor to order an imaging study to rule out a more serious underlying cause such as a tumor or a vascular abnormality such as an aneurism. Concerning features that might prompt an imaging study include a headache that starts very suddenly and is immediately very intense ('thunderclap headache'). A ct scan is best for evaluating this type of headache, because it will detect blood if there is a ruptured aneurism. Other concerning features include a headache that doesn't go away, is getting worse and worse, is worse in the morning, or wakes you from sleep. These features might suggest a brain tumor, which is best evaluated with an mri, although a contrast-enhanced ct scan might be done initially because it is faster and often easier to obtain.

Use can vary: Most pts who suffer migraine and have normal neurological exams do not need MRI or cat, but of the two, the MRI is far better regarding brain details and resolution, and may show a small vascular malformation that the cat could miss. Sometimes, headaches are due to problems with venous sinuses and MRI also better. If looking for aneurysm, mra or ct angio approaches are best.