Migraine headaches are a common and significant cause of disability in our society. White matter abnormalities (WMAs) on magnetic resonance images (MRIs) can be seen with migraine, but they are also incidental findings in normal control populations.
In some migraine patients, an MRI may show white spots on the brain. These spots are called white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), which are lesions in the brain visualized by areas of increased brightness. They can vary in size and location in areas of the brain.
It's important to understand that you can't use an MRI scan to diagnose migraines or any type of headaches. However, with these scans, your doctor can see if you have any other medical conditions including: A brain tumor. An abscess (an infection in your brain)
What does migraine look like on an MRI? In some people with migraine, MRI scans of the brain may show white spots or areas. These are caused by lesions or irregular areas in the white matter of the brain. White matter tissue is deep in the brain and is mostly made up of nerves.
There's no specific test to diagnose migraines. For an accurate diagnosis to be made, a GP must identify a pattern of recurring headaches along with the associated symptoms. Migraines can be unpredictable, sometimes occurring without the other symptoms.
Consider making an appointment with a neurologist if: Your headache is continuous for more than a day or two. Your headaches tend to come on suddenly. Your head pain is worsened by straining.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures your brain waves. Your neurologist will put electrodes, which are small metal discs, on your scalp. This will help your doctor look at your brain activity to see if your pain is from a brain disorder, brain damage, brain dysfunction, or sleep issues.
Migraine has indeed been linked to silent infarct-like lesions (identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) regardless of clinical manifestations) [61–63] that may be triggered by vascular changes linked with inflammation.
MRI scans may reveal white matter lesions in young persons with migraine. These can be and are often are confused with white matter lesions due to multiple sclerosis or white matter lesions that occur in older people (periventricular white matter lesions).
If a scan is ordered to evaluate a headache disorder, MRI with contrast is preferred as it is a more sensitive test than CT and does not involve any radiation. However, as it is so sensitive, there are often abnormal findings unrelated to the headache that may lead to further testing.
Imaging tests rarely help.
Doctors see many patients for headaches. And most of them have migraines or headaches caused by tension. Both kinds of headaches can be very painful. But a CT scan or an MRI rarely shows why the headache occurs.
Migraines and the Brain
Multiple studies have found that people with migraines have an increased risk of brain lesions. The two main types of lesions found in migraineurs include: White matter hyperintensities (WMH): These lesions appear bright white on certain sequences of MRI scans.
The nature of a brain tumor headache is different from a tension or migraine headache in some noticeable ways. For example, waking up frequently with a headache can be a sign of a brain tumor. Keep in mind, however, that other conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea or a hangover, can also cause morning headaches.
They are often described as dull, "pressure-type" headaches, though some patients also experience sharp or "stabbing" pain. They can be localized to a specific area or generalized. They can be made worse with coughing, sneezing or straining.
The inflammation can be measured in several ways. First, it can be seen on an MRI scan of the brain. Areas of inflammation take up a contrast agent called gadolinium, and show up brightly on MRI.
An MRI may also be ordered if there is a change in your headaches or anything unusual about them, if there are additional symptoms happening with your headaches, or if there is concern there might be a structural problem causing your headaches.
Focal seizures and seizure aura can mimic migraine aura. Visual migraine aura can be confused for occipital seizures and vice versa, although symptoms are classically distinct. This is further complicated because occipital seizures are often followed by migraine-like headache.
Brain tumor headaches cause intense pain that people may confuse with migraine or tension-type headaches. However, brain tumors cause other symptoms in addition to headaches, including: fatigue. weakness.
White matter lesions (WMLs) are areas of abnormal myelination in the brain. These lesions are best visualized as hyperintensities on T2 weighted and FLAIR (Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) sequences of magnetic resonance imaging. They are considered a marker of small vessel disease.
Additionally, a doctor may also consider symptoms that are atypical for MS as a part of the diagnostic process, resulting in a misdiagnosis. This includes the symptoms of migraine. While many people with MS may experience migraine, headache isn't typically one of the early signs of MS.
Acephalgic/silent migraine. Migraine with brainstem aura (basilar-type migraine) Hemiplegic migraine.
Migraine is a complex condition with a variety of symptoms, usually featuring a severe headache. It is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting one person in seven.
No, it's NOT normal to get headaches everyday
Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you might have chronic daily headaches, which come in many forms – most of them pretty disabling.