Migraines are sly. The mechanisms of a migraine hide deep inside the brain, at the level of chemical reactions and nerve impulses, making the headache undetectable by common diagnostic tests and scans.
Since intense pain like the pain of migraines can be the sign of something else, doctors might use CT scans, MRIs, or a spinal tap to rule out other potential causes for the pain, such as tumors or infections.
When you have a migraine, the symptoms of which can be debilitating, these sorts of tests may seem extra-frightening. A little knowledge and preparation might help. Find out about the basics of CT scans, MRIs, and spinal taps (also known as lumbar punctures), talk to your doctor and be sure you know what to expect.