{"id":26138,"date":"2026-01-08T15:54:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T15:54:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/?page_id=26138"},"modified":"2026-02-04T09:14:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T09:14:51","slug":"ct-head-for-chronic-headache-or-memory-issues","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/ct-head-for-chronic-headache-or-memory-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"CT Head for Chronic Headache or Memory Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Neuroradiology Pathway<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note \u2013 There are 2 Open Access CT Head Pathways on SCI Gateway.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.WGH> Neuroradiology > LI Headache suspect brain cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.(Edinburgh, East, Mid Lothian) WGH> Neuroradiology ><\/strong> <\/strong><\/a>LI Neuroradiology<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(West Lothian) SJH> Clinical Radiology > <\/strong>LI CT Head <\/mark><\/strong><\/a>LI Neuroradiology<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This pathway is for guidance where routine CT is indicated (please see table below). This pathway (and page) is not for patients who require urgent CT Head for \u201cHeadache Plus\u201d AKA Headache Suspicious of Cancer.\u00a0 In those cases, please see the separate pathway outlined here: <\/mark><\/strong>Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers including Headache PLUS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note that for this pathway (Chronic Headache or Memory Issues) Edinburgh, East and Mid Referrals DCN is now based at the RIE, however the referrals should still be sent to the WGH until the pathway has been updated on SCI Gateway. When this changes this webpage will be updated and all GPs will be informed by email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many cases neuroradiological investigation complements neurosurgical or neurological opinion and should not replace clinical referral. A number of neurological symptoms may be better imaged following clinical review and\/or other investigation (e.g. sensorineural deafness, acute \/ subacute visual failure, acute confusion, stroke). If there is uncertainty as to whether and what imaging is appropriate, and how urgently this should be performed, the Duty Consultant Neuroradiologist can be contacted via the Department of Neuroradiology, DCN (RIE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SG & JB 8\/1\/26<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n