Migraines affect a countless number of people on a regular basis. For sufferers, the pain is sometimes debilitating, which can make leading a normal life a challenge. While an MRI scan doesn't correct migraines, the scan can provide your physician with some direction regarding finding the cause and best treatment plan for your condition. If your doctor has ordered an MRI for your migraine pain, this article can help you learn why and what you should expect.

Purpose

A migraine is not a random occurrence. The pain you experience is a signal from your body that there is a problem. Once you can get control of the problem, you have your path toward eliminating, or at the very least, controlling the migraines.

An MRI is an excellent tool for accomplishing this goal because this type of scan can see parts of your brain that even a CT scan cannot. An MRI scan can highlight migraine-drivers like an infection, tumor, injuries, and even evidence of a past stroke. Your physician is ordering the exam to help discover, or rule out, the reason for your suffering.

Precautions

An MRI is generally a risk-free exam, which is one of the reasons it's so widely used. However, there are certain instances when you need to ensure that you are being open and honest with your physician. Failure to disclose certain aspects of your health puts you at risk during the exam.

For example, if there is any possibility that you could be pregnant, you should ask your physician to administer a pregnancy test before you have the scan. Additionally, if you have any assistive devices installed, such as a cochlear implant or a pacemaker, the magnet frequencies transmitted during the MRI scan can put you at risk. Your physician will perform a complete screening beforehand, but you should bring up any concerns you have.

Preparation

Your physician will likely order several images of your brain to ensure they get an accurate assessment. So, it's important to remember that the entire process may not be over within a matter of minutes. If you have any issues with claustrophobia, let the technician know.

If you're able to at least remain still for a few moments, the technician may be able to schedule in breaks. If you have problems resting on your back for an extended period, you can make a similar request. However, the most important thing to do is to speak up early so that the MRI center can schedule your appointment accordingly.

For questions about the MRI scan, your physician and the radiology technician will be your best sources for information. Don't hesitate to ask any questions about any concerns you might have.

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