MRI SCAN

[julesma]

Does anyone else think it is strange that I have never been sent for a mri scan.I have been suffering from migraines for 20 years now and have seen various doctors about this,but not one has ever suggested I have a scan?

[devette]

Sorry to hear you are suffering. I think they look for 'red flags' when they examine you which would indicate that an MRI was needed. In the end I did get one after about 10 years but it was an awful experience and hasn't helped.

When you say you've seen various doctors how did this come about? Did you ask for a second opinion? I've seen various GPs, was referred to a neurologist and now seen by the headache specialist nurse. I've been through all the drugs they have to offer but I still get migraines every day.

Is this similar to your experience? Have you found anything that has helped?

[Hidden]

My experience is the same. I've been suffering from migraines for over 60 years but they were not diagnosed as migraine until about 15 year ago. I've seen numerous doctors and three neurologists, including one at the Nation Hospital for Neurology in London, and I've tried a huge range of preventative drugs - all to no effect. I rely on sumatriptan which is very effective but I worry that I take too much. I have also never been offered a scan of any kind.

[Charlotte_NMC Partner National Migraine Centre]

We at National Migraine Centre recommend very few scans as like you said 'red flags' tend to indicate whether we think it is necessary. However in the past we have recommended scans for people when they have seen several neurologists previously and not had one. If you are worried and would like a second opinion from a headache specialist doctor, please come for an appointment. See nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk or call 0207 251 3322 to refer yourself.

[VictoriaS]

Hello, I've had migraines for nearly 14 years and I've had LOTS of MRI, SPECT CT, EMG you name it. The VERY FIST neurologist and headache specialist I saw (which admittedly was privately) and in 2000 did an MRI and Xray as my migraines started after a 'minor' car accident. But, I'd like to point out the scans did not take place till 3 years after the incident - and my neck plays a huge part in my migraines. I've also had an inner ear operation as vestibular migraine was not diagnosed! As my current Neurologist and Spine Doctor point out MRI's can't show pain. Most migraine sufferers won't see any 'abnormalities' on an MRI but I'm very glad I was offered the scans, as the ones I had a year ago showed a minor spine fracture, from 14 years ago, nerve damage, torn disc, degeneration etc etc all of which I'm now having treated and I believe are contributing to my migraines. Yet - the majority of migraine patients won't need an MRI, or XRAY and it is hard to believe that a brain tumour is not causing the pain! Yet, if you feel worried its always worth getting a second opinion, from doctors at the National Migraine Centre and asking if scans are appropriate. I'm a huge believer in pestering Doctors to get what you want/need! It's what I've done and am finally getting the treatment I need!

[glamourpuss in reply to VictoriaS]

hello again victoria! ive just read this post and wanted to ask you was it the mri or ct spect scan that showed up all your problems? i was attacked about 15 years ago and feel that my neck is a part in my chronic migraines, however they would not agree to a ct spect scan which my oestopath recommended.they have agreed to a mri.

[rosianna]

the fact that you have sufferd with migraines for so long actually shows you dont need an mri.

pain that has suddenly started in the head that is accomapnied by other neurological symptons shows that you do need and mri to rule other things out.

ive never had an mri for migraines and have had them for 23 yrs, my sister did get one and it didnt show anything up.