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MRI brain patient report how to interpret normal MRI red flags headache official guidance

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headache AND neuroimaging

Plain-language summary of the MRI brain report

This MRI was done for headaches and was reported as normal.
The report states:
  • No focal or diffuse abnormality in the brain tissue
  • No mass, stroke-like change, bleeding, or structural lesion described
  • Brain midline structures are in their normal position
  • Ventricles are normal in size and configuration, with no hydrocephalus
  • No abnormality noted in the cerebellum, brainstem-region structures, internal auditory canals, or cerebellopontine angles
  • Pituitary gland and optic-chiasm region appear normal
  • No enlargement or deformation of the basal cisterns or subarachnoid spaces
  • Cerebellar tonsils are at the level of the foramen magnum, so no Chiari-type descent is described
  • Facial sinus aeration is not significantly impaired
Radiologist’s conclusion:
No evidence of focal or diffuse changes in the brain tissue. Neurologist consultation is recommended.
The study appears to have been performed without IV contrast and with 0 mSv radiation exposure, as expected for MRI.

What this means for headaches

A normal brain MRI is reassuring because it does not show a structural brain cause for the headache. It does not rule out common headache disorders such as migraine or tension-type headache, which are usually diagnosed from the symptom pattern and examination rather than MRI. A neurologist can help identify the headache type and discuss treatment. RadiologyInfo explains that brain MRI is used to assess possible structural causes of neurological symptoms but is only one part of the clinical evaluation.

Seek urgent medical assessment if you have

  • A sudden, maximum-intensity "worst-ever" headache
  • New weakness, numbness, facial droop, speech difficulty, confusion, seizure, fainting, or visual loss
  • Fever with stiff neck
  • Persistent vomiting
  • A new or rapidly worsening headache, particularly after head injury
  • Headache that is markedly worse with coughing, straining, or lying flat
These are recognized warning features in headache assessment. The Harriet Lane Handbook, section “Red Flags in Headache Evaluation,” lines 934-958.
One document issue: the report date shown is September 15, 2026, which is in the future relative to the usual current calendar context. If this was meant to be an official clinical document, verify the date and original report with the imaging center.
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