CT Scans For Headaches

moon_gazer · ‎11-20-2016

I had been havings strange headaches in the top of my head for a couple of months, so I visited my dr. My blood pressure was very high and it was determined that that was the cause of the headaches. So, I began taking medication for the blood pressure. Still had the occasional headache, though, but not nearly as often. So, I talked again with my dr. and she thought it could be tension in my neck and shoulders which I do have often and prescribed a muscle relaxer for me to take at night for 5 days. The headaches went away for at least a month. When they came back again, (but, only once in awhile), she said lets do a CT scan just to be on safe side. She said minimal radiation is used. Well, I have not had this headache in over a week and am not sure I want to have a scan of my head. I truly think the headaches are due to tension. I know the scan is quick and easy - that is not what worries me - it is the long term effects of the radiation that have me a little scared.

I know you can't advise me on what to do about my own health, but, if someone else has been in this situation, maybe you can offer a lilttle help to get me off the fence on this decision.

Deep In The Heart of Texas

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

Are you scared about the minimal amount of radiation, CT scans are great diagnostic tools, what if you have something seriously wrong that could fo been determined by the test

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

hopi · ‎03-09-2010

CT Scans are super easy and supposedly less radiation than an airplane flight.

The test is less than 5 minutes and only that long because there is an injection. The tester does not leave the room and some stand next to you to hold the hand still with the iv.

Easier than xrays and not confining at all.

hoosieroriginal · ‎03-04-2012

I almost cancelled my carotid scan - glad I didn't. It was 25% blocked about 8 years ago, now it is 49% blocked. If I hadn't gone, I wouldn't know. Now I've changed my diet, upped my exercise routine and trying to lower cholesterol naturally - giving it 3 months before she puts me on statins (which I do NOT want to go on). You'll probably worry if you don't have it done and are still having headaches. I say just get it done, especially if your dr requested you do it.

scatcat · ‎03-15-2010

I get a lot of headaches and have for decades. They are hormonal, stress, computer eye strain , sun, barometric pressure triggered. Never on top of my head, like you are experiencing. I'd get the test

Wiscfan3 · ‎05-28-2015

That is a difficult decision to make but from what I know about ct scans the radiation is very minimal. The relief over knowing that all is ok would probably outweigh the fear of the radiation for me, but I do understand. I have had several cts, m r i s, surgeries, and radiation with breast cancer, and my fear of disease is greater than my fear of radiation. Good luck to you.

moon_gazer · ‎11-20-2016

@Wiscfan3 wrote:
That is a difficult decision to make but from what I know about ct scans the radiation is very minimal. The relief over knowing that all is ok would probably outweigh the fear of the radiation for me, but I do understand. I have had several cts, m r i s, surgeries, and radiation with breast cancer, and my fear of disease is greater than my fear of radiation. Good luck to you.

@Wiscfan3

You are so right about the relief over knowing all is ok does outweigh the risks. Thank you!

Deep In The Heart of Texas

kitcat51 · ‎09-15-2016

Have the CAT scan done & don't put it off, it may be tension but there are many other things it could be that need treatment right away. My migraines started in my 20's, I'm 66 now & I've had scans over the years that showed nothing but sadly a family member had headaches & found out it was from an aggressive tumor. Please go.