If you are someone who has experienced migraines, you know they are not fun. They often begin in childhood or early adulthood and can be debilitating, leaving the sufferer feeling drained and overwhelmed.
What Causes Migraines?
We still don’t understand exactly what causes migraines in some people. Researchers suspect that these headaches are the result of abnormal activity in the brain which has an effect on nerves, chemicals and blood vessels. Some triggers have been noted such as
- Hormonal changes in the body for women
- Emotional triggers
- Stress
- Physical causes from insufficient sleep, physical overexertion or blood sugar
- Dietary triggers caused by some foods, irregular meal times or dehydration
- Food additives
- Alcohol consumption
- Medications
- Environmental triggers such as loud noises, bright lights, flickering screens, strong smells and other sensory stimuli
- Weather changes
- Family history of migraines
Symptoms can even start a couple days before the actual headache occurrence begins. Unfortunately, many sufferers of migraine headaches go through these bouts without being properly diagnosed and treated. A doctor will diagnose a migraine by considering symptoms and family history, conducting a thorough medical exam and often ordering diagnostic testing in order to rule other problems out.
Especially if you are experiencing something that feels different to you, you should see your doctor to rule these out. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- A severe headache that is abrupt and comes on like thunder
- A headache accompanied by a fever, neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, numbness, double vision or trouble speaking
- A headache after a head injury
- A headache that worsens with coughing or exertion
- Chronic headaches after the age of 50
Many people who experience migraine headaches are worried that there is something else causing the pain. If you are experiencing migraine or severe headaches, your doctor may recommend some diagnostic tests that can take images of the brain. These can rule out other more serious concerns such as
- Brain tumors
- Brain infections
- A buildup of fluid in the brain
- Spinal cord issues
- Strokes
- Injuries
Fortunately, most severe headaches are not caused by anything more serious than a migraine.
CT Scan
Your doctor may order a CT scan in order to get a better understanding of your headache. A CT Scan uses X-ray technology to create a series of cross-sectional images of the brain which will help diagnose any other conditions that may be causing the headaches. A CT scan if best for observing dense objects and although it does offer a good picture of the brain, it is not very detailed.
MRI
In the event that a CT scan may not have shown clear-cut results, an MRI can detect things in the brain that can’t be observed with a CT scan. An MRI takes a bit longer but it can provide much more detailed information about the brain.
Treatment
Migraine treatments are primarily aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing attacks. Pain-relieving medications taken during an episode are designed specifically to stop symptoms. Preventive medications are ones that are taken proactively to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. Your doctor will determine what course of treatment is best for you.
If your doctor has ordered diagnostic imaging for your migraine headache symptoms, we are here to help. Call Vital Imaging at (305) 596-9992 to schedule an appointment.