Overview

Your provider will likely recommend brain imaging.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain can help detect any underlying causes for your headache. During the MRI exam, a magnetic field and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images of the structures within the brain.
  • Computerized tomography (CT). In some cases, especially if your headache occurred less than 48 to 72 hours beforehand, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain may be done.

    CT uses an X-ray unit that rotates around the body and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain and head.

  • Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computerized tomography (CT) angiography. These tests visualize the blood vessels leading to and inside the brain and neck.

Angiograms

Your provider may also order a cerebral angiogram, a test that can show the neck and brain arteries.

This procedure involves threading a thin, flexible tube through a blood vessel, usually starting in the groin, to an artery in the neck. Contrast material is injected into the tube to allow an X-ray machine to create an image of the arteries in the neck and brain.

Spinal tap

Sometimes a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is needed as well — especially if the headache started abruptly and very recently and brain imaging is normal.

With this procedure, the provider removes a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The fluid sample can show if there’s bleeding or an infection.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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