Appendix 1

Recommendation tables including an explanation of grades

As described in the supplementary material, the recommendation tables throughout the guidance include the references and sources of recommendations and the recommendation grade. The detailed tables below include further information on the evidence grade, where available.

Recommendations table for MRI of the head – unexplained seizures

 

Recommendations table for MRI of the head – unexplained chronic headache

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*While these may indicate a higher likelihood of significant intracranial pathology, as reported in several small studies, the evidence is insufficient to make specific recommendations regarding neuroimaging in the presence or absence of neurological symptoms.²¹

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Recommendations table for MRI of the cervical spine – cervical radiculopathy

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*Disc herniation and spondylosis

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Recommendations table for MRI of the cervical spine – cervical spine trauma

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*A distracting injury is a condition that is thought to be producing pain sufficient to distract the patient from a second (cervical)  injury, e.g. long bone fracture or burn.³⁷

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Recommendations table for MRI of the knee