To want a head scan for headaches and dizziness

I'm a Biomedical Scientist (we diagnose stuff for the Doctors, from blood samples, swabs, biopsies, spinal fluid etc) and I can't agree more with this excellent post. A blood test would be far more useful than a head scan or MRI. And yes, if you've been advised that antidepressants might help then please please give them a chance and try them. Stress, depression and anxiety can be a major cause of headaches. Rule out the easy stuff first before you go in the deep end with requesting an MRI.

I know nothing about the headache stuff, but you can definitely be unwell enough to see a gp more than twice a year without anyone deciding you are a hypochondriac.
Especially since you needed medical care both of those times.

Did they check your thyroid? If not I'd get that checked as all those things can be related.
I had similar but for much longer and taking folic acid (recommended after nothing was shown on an MRI) somehow fixed it with the off reoccurance, which is also good for fatigue.

Hey, didn't want to read and leave. I am similar age to you and just wanted to say I have also had exactly what you have had, in fact still get it. I also have had horrible anxiety over the years but I would get blood test to rule out low on anything else alongside your iron levels, as I've been having an array of physical issues turns out I'm really low on vit d. Something to consider? Also it seems like tension that could be playing a role that can cause horrific headaches and dizziness, you could see a osteopath? I know it feels frightening thinking about the possibility of something more serious but I'm sure you 99% don't have a brain tumour. If you've been to the gp had all relevant testing and nothing is flagged I'd be rest assured there's nothing malicious going on. All the best x

Do you have a partner who can tell you if you grind your teeth at night?

Given your description I would guess teeth grinding and clenching.

I had similar around ten years ago! Tried lots of medication for migraine, tried alternative therapies, change of diet etc and kept a headache diary to track them and spot patterns. After 3 years of tests and repeatedly going to the GP, I got an MRI and was relieved when it showed no problems.

Did more research and got my Mirena Coil removed! Eureka! Headaches disappeared! In very sensitive to hormones apparently.

As someone who did have a brain tumour (all sorted now), symptoms would not get better - they would get progressively worse.

Could it be TMD? It can cause chronic facial pain, headaches at temples and dizziness. We paid £500 a couple of years ago for an MRI for partner as he was having severe pressure headaches, it came back clear

Could be musculoskeletal/neck tension - a chiropractor/osteopath might help.

Anemia can cause headaches and dizziness. It's my first symptom when I start getting low.

Neither a CT scan or an MRI is completely benign. The CT exposes you to radiation and the contrast medium (gadolinium) used in MRIs has been found to accumulate in the brain in some cases.

Fine if used to diagnose or monitor a condition but unnecessary to "put your mind at ease".

See your GP, don't self refer yourself for unnecessary tests. Your symptoms could be just about anything.

Go to the GP and start from there. Anxiety/depression can cause headaches and dizzyness so it could be as simple as that. GP will know if you need a scan or not.

From what you say you have elements of health anxiety. Some advice from the NHS below.

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/health-anxiety/

I had a pretty traumatic time a while ago, and I was suffering with a constant headache for about 4 months.

When I went to the GP he referred me not because of my headaches but my posture, no idea what was wrong with my posture, but there you go!

I did have an MRI. They diagnosed me with tension headaches through stress. They offered me antidepressants which I refused, but had counselling instead, did some yoga and got myself an app to help me sleep and the headaches went away.

Rare things are rare common things are common. Have you had some bloood tests? I was dizzy and it turned out to be low iron. I had an iron profusion and felt much better. Lots of causes for dizziness and headaches. I'm not saying it is this but one major cause is... anxiety. I've experienced this myself lots of times.

Interesting. Thank you.

perhaps going to the GP for their opinion as a start? Which the OP hasn't yet done.

No idea
But as a GP of 20 years experience, with a background in medical education as part of which I've worked on many resources to do with headache, I can tell you that it doesn't.

Nope, I had a private MRI scan and it was nowhere near £1000 for that and the consultant fee combined.

And all consultants will list in their biogs what they specialise in - match what OP is concerned about with what the consultant specialises in and take the first step - if not correct then the consultant will redirect before any further expenses have been incurred to the appropriate specialist.

What's better, trying or not trying? 🤔🙄

I've had headache for years, including seeing several neurologists and never had a brain scan.

There are clear indications for them and 2 weeks of headache plus anxiety isn't one of them.

Then why did my GP tell me it did?