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Is Nitroglycerin Advisable While Suffering From Migraine?

Posted on Wed, 10 May 2017

Question: this is for a cardiologist
i have been told i need a heart ct. I am deprived of caffeine. I will have a caffeine withdrawal migrain and now they are telling me they will absolutely not do the ct if i dont take the nitroglycerine. My question is can the ct be done without the nitroglycerine and what can i take before hand to get rid of the migraine that i am pretty sure will be debilitating. should i ask the cardiologist to give me something strong
thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nitroglycerin increases CT scan accuracy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Nitroglycerin use improves the coronary diameter, the number of assessable segments, image quality and diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography.

It can be done also without nitroglycerin, but is less accurate.

Headaches that may be related to nitroglycerin are temporary, and can be improved by over the counter painkillers.

In conclusion, in my opinion you should use nitroglycerin before CT scan, in order to increase results accuracy.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

THank you
is it okay to ask the cardiologist for a stronger pain reliever? I got some NTG paste on me one time by accident and I was miserable. OTC pain relievers were not strong enough. Can i take Tramadol or Hydrocodone before the scan
thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can ask for a stronger painkiller.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

It is okay for you to ask your Doctor about a stronger painkiller, in my opinion tramadol or combined tramadol with paracetamol may be used.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 hours later)

one more: should i take the pain killer prior to the ct or right after?
thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can take it after the examination.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

There are no exact rules when to take the painkiller in the case of CT examination, however, in my opinion, you could take it after the examination.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj