Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2019
ReviewThe Connection Between Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine.
"Observational studies have identified a relationship between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine headache. In people who have migraine with aura, 40% to 60% have a PFO, compared with 20% to 30% in the general adult population. It is hypothesized that migraine, especially migraine with aura, may be triggered by hypoxemia or vasoactive chemicals (eg, serotonin), which are ordinarily metabolized during passage through the lungs. Although PFO closure is currently not a FDA-approved therapy for migraines, randomized trials suggest that this intervention may benefit a subgroup of migraineurs."
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2019
ReviewNeuroimaging of Adults with Headache: Appropriateness, Utilization, and an Economical Overview.
One of the most common reasons that a patient seeks out a health care provider for a neuroscience-related issue is headache. Not all patients can, or probably should, be imaged with headache. ⋯ This approach should focus on quality, safety, appropriateness, and utilization. This article reviews and discusses the consideration of imaging adult patients with headache.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2019
ReviewIndications and Imaging Modality of Choice in Pediatric Headache.
Pediatric headache is a common problem, with various underlying causes. Appropriate patient selection for neuroimaging is necessary to optimize the clinical evaluation. This review aims to provide a focused discussion of the clinical evaluation of children with headache, including published guidelines pertaining to neuroimaging, technical considerations for neuroimaging, and tailoring of examinations for specific clinical entities known to cause pediatric headache.
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Headache is a common symptom in patients with Chiari I malformation (CMI), characterized by 5 mm or greater cerebellar tonsillar herniation below foramen magnum. Radiologists should be aware of the different types of headaches reported by CMI patients and which headache patterns are distinctive features of the diagnosis. A methodical imaging strategy is required to fully assess a CMI patient to exclude secondary causes of tonsillar herniation such as intracranial hypotension or associated conditions such as syrinx. Both anatomic and physiologic imaging can help determine if headaches are CMI associated, and assist clinicians in therapeutic decision making.
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Headaches are exceedingly common, but most individuals who seek medical attention with headache will not have a serious underlying etiology such as a brain tumor. Brain tumors are uncommon; however, many patients with brain tumors do suffer from headaches. Generally these headaches are accompanied by other neurologic signs and symptoms. A careful clinical assessment for red flags should be undertaken when considering further work-up with neuroimaging to exclude a serious underlying condition.