Mri or ct scan.......?

Question

my doctor suggested i got a ct scan because of my chronic headaches but when they asked my insurance company they denied the ct scan because there was insufficient evidence so no im going to get and mri. how was i supposed to prove i had a headache? and will the mri still show what they were originally going to look for in the ct scan?

Answer 1

Actually the MRI is the procedure of choice for neurologic conditions.  In most cases it is more expensive to perform an MRI than a CT so many physicians order CT scans.  However, for imaging of the brain to determine if there is an issue which might be related to headaches an MRI is usually preferred.  If the MRI shows something which indicates the need for imaging with a CT (which is doubtful) the insurance would then approve it, as there would be documentation of the need.

I would normally use a CT in emergency conditions, but prefer an MRI if I was ordering brain imaging in an outpatient setting on most headache patients.

You should be fine.  In almost all headache patients the MRIs are normal so don't be concerned.

Answer 2

I am not a doctor but from what I understand the MRI is better than the CT Scan.

Hope they are able to pin down why you are having the headaches and I also hope it is nothing serious.

Answer 3

Hi Karolina.

I am confused now! I am also having a CT scan (tomorrow-aaaagh) on my head,for similar reasons to you,but having read up a little i think I should be having an MRI!! So i think you are getting the best treatment and i may have to fight my cause tomorrow-I am not really happy to have the radiation (CT) if it is not necessary. Good luck.

Answer 4

It will prove if you have any abnormalties in your head that are causing your headaches.  Help determine if he needs to treat just your symptoms or a larger problem.  

An MRI will help, but a CT would have been better b/c it shows more for a neurologist.