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When to order CT/MRI for headache
Neurological
ACG
31 August 2022
Published on 31 Aug 2022
Last Updated on 31 Aug 2022
Registered doctors and pharmacists may claim 1 Continuing Medical Education (CME)/Continuing Professional Education (CPE) point under category 3A for reading each ACG.
Resources
When to order CT/MRI for headache (August 2022) [PDF, 1.2 MB]
This ACE Clinical Guidance (ACG) covers the use of CT/MRI brain for diagnostic investigation of headache, providing evidence-based recommendations on the role of CT/MRI brain for primary and secondary headaches.
ACG Recommendations
Patients with migraine or TTH, without red flags: CT is not indicated; MRI is not indicated.
Patients with cluster headache or other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, without red flags: CT may be indicated; MRI is indicated.
Patients with sudden, severe headache: CT is indicated; MRI may be indicated.
Patients with headache and cancer or infection (suspected or known): CT may be indicated; MRI is indicated.
Patients with post-traumatic headache: CT is indicated; MRI may be indicated.
Patients with new headache accompanied by red flags, or with worsening headache: CT may be indicated; MRI is indicated.
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Related Webinars
ACE Seminar "Approach to Assessing and Managing Headache as the Presenting Symptom"