CT Scan question

[hands_superior]

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This is question is more of an emergency room question.

let's say a patient visit an Emergency room nearby his/her home and the patient's head hurts ... like a really bad headache/migraine that has been going on for a week or two. Can the emergency room doctor order a CT scan for the head to see if there is any physical damage to the brain structure?

I understand that the CT scan or any imagery equipment orders are for more serious conditions such as head trauma but what about a really bad headache? I mean what if there is bleeding inside the brain ?

 

[link2swim06]

This is medical advice....

 

[Smurfette]

An ER physician can order any tests necessary based on the patient's history and physical findings. They can and should not order CTs on everyone with a headache as that is a tremendous waste of resources.

Closing thread as this seems to be more of a medical advice question.