MRI for Migraines
Many people have suffered from migraines their entire life. Others find that debilitating headaches suddenly occur. For the latter, it's less clear for them whether it's a migraine or something else. Dental issues, tension headaches, and even brain tumors may be mistaken as migraines. So how do you know? Some things can be ruled out by a doctor based on the location, accompanying symptoms, and frequency of the headaches. However, to confirm a migraine diagnosis, more and more doctors are turning to image tests. So, is it wise to get an MRI for migraines?
Changes in the Brain
In early 2013, a study published in the journal Radiology showed that there is an abnormal thickness of the cortex and some of the surface area of the brain in migraine sufferers. The areas of the brain that process pain was shown to have a thinner cortex, or outer lining, which may explain why migraine headaches are so difficult for sufferers to deal with. Auras and areas of intense white matter are other common result for many migraine symptoms. Though these did not correlate to specific migraine symptoms, these areas were often found to be structurally related to the thin cortex regions that also accompanied this result.
Early Results
These studies haven't been repeated enough times to create an accurate assessment to predict migraines in those who don't suffer from them yet, but deeper studies are being done. Correlations are being studied now between specific symptoms, locations where cortical areas are thin, and the brain processes that are found beneath those sections of the cortex. Studies looking at different thicknesses of the cortex and correlated symptoms are being done as well. It is hoped that these studies can lead to specific migraine biomarkers that can be found when mapping the brain.
Can I Get an MRI Now?
Currently, if you are suddenly suffering from a new spate of headaches, you will likely be given an MRI for migraines. Though situations like hormonal life changes, latent allergies, and large stressors may bring dormant migraines to life for you, most people know that they are migraine sufferers by the time they're adults. Because of this, the MRI is often done to rule out more serious brain issues. It is likely that your neurologist will be up-to-date on the newest studies on MRI results and migraine biomarkers, and can let you know if you have the brain structure that makes this a likely diagnosis.
What to Know Before Your Test
An MRI is one of the most detailed imaging tools available to the medical field today. However, several people may need to choose alternate tests or wait until a better time because of certain conditions. The MRI uses very powerful magnets to show the images inside your body. If you have metal implanted in your body anywhere, however, it's important to discuss this with your physician. Things like metal dental fillings are rarely magnetic, and shouldn't be an issue. However, if you have had pins or plates added to your body as a result of broken bones, particularly in the skull, an MRI may not be possible. Other conditions that make an MRI less likely include pacemakers, aneurysm clips, pregnancy, insulin pumps, TENS back pain devices, metal eye sockets, cochlear implants, spine stabilization rods, severe lung disease, GERD, claustrophobia, and obesity weighing 300 lbs and more. A test will usually take between 40 minutes and three hours, depending on how much of your body needs to be imaged. Because this is done in cross-section one thin layer at a time, you are expected to be able to lie very still for very long periods.