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?

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.

Depends : On symptoms. Ct head good to do first. Then MRI with and or without contrast as indicated. See radiologyinfo.Org. Each test meets acr appropriateness criteria.

Reason for asking?: First, hospitals aren't hotels. You're a patient, not a guest. Most choices aren't yours to make. Second, why would "they" "wanna" check for a brain tumor in a 19-year-old? Maybe YOU wanna check? It's not impossible, but the chances are mighty remote that "they'd" be concerned about it. I suspect it's safe to stop worrying, or failing that, at least find something else to worry about.