Question 1

if i had a mri oct2012 & cat scan in dec 2012 & both where normal should i b worried bout a brain tumor? can a ct scan show a brain tumor n the brain

Accepted Answer

No worry: Very unlikely you would have a brain tumor, and not have it show up on the tests you mention. Very unlikely it would develop since then.

Question 2

would a brain mri w/o contrast & a ct scan with and w/o contrast show a brain tumor causing symptoms? worried that it could have been missed.

Accepted Answer

MRI: A MRI with contrast is sufficient to detect evidence of a brain tumor. If there is any question as to whether a brain tumor is present or not, one can opt to repeat the MRI of the brain with contrast three months after the last MRI brain was obtained.

Question 3

if im in the er and they wanna check for a brain tumor by doing a ct scan. can i request an mri without contrast instead or is that not an option?

Accepted Answer

Yes/No: A ct scan has the advantage of being fast (and cheap from the insurance companies standpoint) and gives a good enough resolution as a screening test.  You can request an MRI without contrast, however, if something is found, you need to get another MRI scan which is a longer, and more expensive, time commitment.

Question 4

used to take aed from 6 years ago - 2 years ago. after eeg, ct scan and mri being clear i stopped meds. recently had a seizure and doc put me on tegretol and told me to visit after 3 weeks. my concern is can something bad develop like a brain tumor?

Accepted Answer

INTERPRETATION: In view of your history, the correct diagnosis is idiopathic epilepsy, not a brain tumor, and new seizure indicates chronic need for AED's.  I will provide a bias, as carbamazepine is a 50 yo drug, and we have numerous better tolerated meds now.  Suggest you check out far safer alternatives with a neurologist.

Question 5

will a cat scan of my head rule out ms or a brain tumor better than mri? had one before but am having another one due to vertigo.im 18.am i in danger?

Accepted Answer

No: Mri is by far the test of choice for ms. Either way will detect brain tumors, but actual better picture of the tumor itself with a mri. There is no danger to mri. Cat scans have radiation, but your doctor will guide you in consultation with a radiologist as to which test is most appropriate for your symptoms.

Question 6

how early can a brain tumor be detected on a cat scan or mri?

Accepted Answer

Do you have one?: You know, it’s remarkable how many young people post questions here about CT and MRI scans and brain tumors with never an explanation of why they’re interested. I wonder why they’re all so curious. They must be worried about SOMETHING. It depends on the type, size and location of the tumor, and whether the scan is properly configured to screen for tumors.

Question 7

how long does it take for brain tumors to grow? had negative ct scan a year ago but had mri yesterday for headaches & pain i'm still having. scared!

Accepted Answer

See answer below: Obviously it is difficult for anyone on the internet to speculate without seeing you, but if the reason for the MRI is headaches, and you otherwise have a normal neurological exam with a history of a normal ct, the chances of a tumor are low.  I'm sure you have follow-up scheduled with the ordering physician, and he/she will be able to help you.

Question 8

off balance/disequilibrium off and on when walking x2 weeks. worse after driving. mri of brain normal 6 months ago. worried of brain tumor. 27/f.

Accepted Answer

If...: If MRI was normal the  the possibilities this is related to a brain tumor are small although I would need to know more details of your evaluation and look at the report in order to give a final opinion . If you haven't then you should visit a Neurologist due to persistent symptoms.

Question 9

disequilibrium x1 week - only sometimes when walking. feel off balance. normal mri of brain 6 months ago. so scared this is a brain tumor? 27/f.

Accepted Answer

Consider other cause: Since you had an MRI of the brain 6 months ago, and it was normal, you should not think of brain tumor as the cause here.  Other causes are more likely and more common.  These could be medicine side effects, changes in the sensation of the feet, changes in the inner ear sensation of movement, or changes with your strength.

Hope that helps!

Question 10

dizziness, nausea x3days. just over a cold, dr said fluid in ears, but shouldn't cause this? mri of brain 6 months ago. brain tumor? scared. 27/f.

Accepted Answer

No tumor: URI can produce some inflammation of inner ear.  This results with fluid behind ear drum which if symptomatic should be drained.  The fluid could induce pressure on semicucular canals and result in dizziness and well if pressure reaches brances of vagus n. then nausea can result. MRI of brain must have had a reason but if proved neg. the indications for scan were ruled out.

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Doctor answers about:

Ct scan vs mri brain tumor

A member asked:

If i had a mri oct2012 & cat scan in dec 2012 & both where normal should i b worried bout a brain tumor? can a ct scan show a brain tumor n the brain

A member asked:

Would a brain mri w/o contrast & a ct scan with and w/o contrast show a brain tumor causing symptoms? worried that it could have been missed.

A member asked:

If im in the er and they wanna check for a brain tumor by doing a ct scan. can i request an mri without contrast instead or is that not an option?

A member asked:

Used to take aed from 6 years ago - 2 years ago. after eeg, ct scan and mri being clear i stopped meds. recently had a seizure and doc put me on tegretol and told me to visit after 3 weeks. my concern is can something bad develop like a brain tumor?

A member asked:

Will a cat scan of my head rule out ms or a brain tumor better than mri? had one before but am having another one due to vertigo.im 18.am i in danger?

A member asked:

How early can a brain tumor be detected on a cat scan or mri?

A member asked:

How long does it take for brain tumors to grow? had negative ct scan a year ago but had mri yesterday for headaches & pain i'm still having. scared!

A member asked:

Off balance/disequilibrium off and on when walking x2 weeks. worse after driving. mri of brain normal 6 months ago. worried of brain tumor. 27/f.

A member asked:

Disequilibrium x1 week - only sometimes when walking. feel off balance. normal mri of brain 6 months ago. so scared this is a brain tumor? 27/f.

A member asked:

Dizziness, nausea x3days. just over a cold, dr said fluid in ears, but shouldn't cause this? mri of brain 6 months ago. brain tumor? scared. 27/f.

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