Incidental Findings and Normal Anatomical Variants on MRI of the Brain in Adults for Primary Headaches

Abstract

When MRI scans of the brain are obtained for evaluation of primary headaches in adults, incidental findings are commonly present. After a review of the prevalence of incidental findings and normal anatomical variants, 21 types are presented.

What Attorneys and Factfinders Need to Know About Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

“…Because postconcussional syndrome is attributed to concussions, as opposed to more severe brain damage like bleeding or infection inside the skull, current brain scanning techniques are not sensitive to so-called organicity. For example, determining whether an abnormal brain scan is causally related to a concussion and/or cognitive deficits is frustrated by the fact that many people without concussions and/or cognitive deficits have abnormal brain scans (Evans, 2017;Katzman, Dagher, & Patronas, 1999;Kim, Illes, Kaplan, Reiss, & Atlas, 2002;Morris et al, 2009;Vernooij et al, 2007). As noted by Morris et al (2009), one out of every 37 Bneurologically asymptomatic^persons receiving a brain MRI will have abnormal results.…”

The importance of follow-up and re-diagnosis of patients with demyelinating syndrome suspicion - a case study of a conversion from radiologically isolated syndrome to clinically definite multiple sclerosis

“…Moreover, individuals with RIS, although neurologically asymptomatic, are proven to experience increased anxiety and depression, as well as some mild symptoms of cognitive impairment. [1][2][3][4][5][6]…”

Neuroimaging for Migraine: The American Headache Society Systematic Review and Evidence‐Based Guideline

“…• Addressing the expectations, concerns, and anxiety of patients and family which may be reflected in negative online reviews. 8,9 There are many barriers for obtaining neuroimaging, including cost, as patients may have high deductible insurance plans or lack insurance coverage; lengthy third-party review for payor approval; and insurance companies which consider neuroimaging utilization as a negative in their physician ratings. • Medicolegal issues.…”

“…2 Neuroimaging may also lead to anxiety, further testing, and additional costs from incidental findings which are not clinically significant. 8,9 There are many barriers for obtaining neuroimaging, including cost, as patients may have high deductible insurance plans or lack insurance coverage; lengthy third-party review for payor approval; and insurance companies which consider neuroimaging utilization as a negative in their physician ratings. 10 Recommendations about the role of neuroimaging in diagnosis of headache vary by specialty.…”