American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is NOT an indication for performing a Head CT scan?

1. Head trauma

2. Discharge of CSF or blood from the ear

3. Regular migraines

4. Alcohol intoxication with trauma

The correct answer is: Regular migraines

In the context of medical imaging and decision-making in emergency settings, regular migraines do not warrant a head CT scan as an immediate indication. Head CT scans are primarily utilized to assess potential acute issues in the brain, such as hemorrhages, fractures, or other traumatic injuries. Regular migraines, while they may be debilitating, are considered a chronic condition that usually does not require imaging unless there are concerning new symptoms or changes in the pattern of headaches. In contrast, scenarios such as head trauma, discharge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood from the ear, and alcohol intoxication accompanied by trauma typically raise the suspicion of serious underlying pathologies, such as skull fractures or intracranial bleeding. These conditions necessitate imaging to rule out critical injuries or complications, making a CT scan an appropriate and necessary intervention.