Neuroimaging of headaches associated with vascular disorders

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2015 Jun;19(6):16. doi: 10.1007/s11916-015-0489-9.

Abstract

Headaches from vascular causes need to be differentiated from primary headaches because a misdiagnosis may lead to dire consequences for the patient. Neuroimaging is critical in identifying patients with vascular headaches and identifying the nature of the pathologic disorder causing these headaches. In addition, the imaging findings guide the physician regarding the optimal treatment modality for these lesions. This review summarizes the nuances of differentiating patients with secondary headaches related to vascular disease and discusses pertinent neuroimaging studies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / complications
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / physiopathology
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / diagnosis*
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / etiology
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neuroimaging*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed