Between 2007-2010 over $1.2 billion dollars were spent in the United States for neuroimaging related to headaches and migraines. While many headaches could have been simply diagnosed in the doctors office without imaging, other headaches required more conclusive research to determine whether the headache was caused by a tumor or other serious issue. Under the proposed “Choosing Wisely” guidelines created by the American College of Radiology and Consumer Reports, doctors are recommended not to do imaging for “uncomplicated” headaches.
How does the “Choosing Wisely” Guidelines Affect Treatment for Brain Tumors?
In an effort to reduce treatment costs in the U.S., several groups are recommending that neurosurgeons be more selective about administering imaging scans for headaches if the headache or migraine is a “stable headache”, meaning there are no neurological abnormalities. In theory this should make sense, however, there are concerns with following these guidelines strictly. One study by the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, found that of 95 patients with a confirmed brain tumor, about one fourth of the patients showed no “neurological symptoms or signs” of a complicated headache. Under the “choosing wisely” guidelines these patients would not be recommended for an imaging scan and their tumors could potentially continue undiagnosed. In 11 of the patients, headaches were the only symptom of a brain tumor, and an additional seven patients had a type of headache that would not have merited a scan, as well.
Should Your Neurosurgeon Follow the Choosing Wisely Guideline?
Early diagnosis of a brain tumor provides the best possible patient outcome and allows for a wider range of treatment options. Because the “choosing wisely” guidelines can potentially miss important indicators of brain tumors, the study determined that thorough research was needed to create accurate guidelines regarding neuroimaging for headaches and that neurosurgeons should continue to use their clinical judgement for ethical and economical treatment options.
Brain Tumor Treatment in Newport Beach
Newport Beach neurosurgeon, Dr. Duma, has dedicated nearly 30 years to helping his patients treat and overcome benign and malignant brain tumors in Orange County and across the globe. His experience treating glioblastoma mutliforme, brain cancer metastasis, and astrocytomas through immunotherapy and advanced gamma knife and cyberknife radiosurgery have made him a trusted advocate for neurosurgery treatments. To learn more about brain tumor treatment in Newport Beach, call us at 949-642-6787.
