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I know this is more of a question for my doctor and I intend on asking whenever the next time I set up a visit is, but if anyone can discuss this question with me - it would be much appreciated.
A couple of months ago I had an allergic reatcion to something (didn't know it was an allergic reaction at the time) and went to the ER not knowing what was happening - but just to play it safe in case it was a stroke (because the side of my face was completely numb). The ER proceded to do a Head CT scan to make sure I was okay. The scan showed that I was fine.
Fast Foward to today. I have been having a few minor head pains recently and have been ungodly tired/weak for the last few days. This could easily be due to a few stress factors of the past week or two, but of course the hypochondriac in me thinks the "what if it is brain cancer" thoughts.
So here is the question. I've researched and most sites say that a head/brain CT scan is used to see if any tumors are present in the brain. So is this not the same CT scan I had a couple of months ago when they were checking for a stroke? If so (and it seems like it would be?), can I rest assured that the CT scan would have picked up any tumor abnormalities last time - even though they were looking for signs of a stroke?
I feel silly asking this question, but yeh. It would be great if I knew that was the case.
Yup, a radiologist's job is to make the requesting physician aware of all the abnormalilties found on a specific radiologic study, even if it's not why the study was requested in the first place.
I know this is more of a question for my doctor and I intend on asking whenever the next time I set up a visit is, but if anyone can discuss this question with me - it would be much appreciated.
A couple of months ago I had an allergic reatcion to something (didn't know it was an allergic reaction at the time) and went to the ER not knowing what was happening - but just to play it safe in case it was a stroke (because the side of my face was completely numb). The ER proceded to do a Head CT scan to make sure I was okay. The scan showed that I was fine.
Fast Foward to today. I have been having a few minor head pains recently and have been ungodly tired/weak for the last few days. This could easily be due to a few stress factors of the past week or two, but of course the hypochondriac in me thinks the "what if it is brain cancer" thoughts.
So here is the question. I've researched and most sites say that a head/brain CT scan is used to see if any tumors are present in the brain. So is this not the same CT scan I had a couple of months ago when they were checking for a stroke? If so (and it seems like it would be?), can I rest assured that the CT scan would have picked up any tumor abnormalities last time - even though they were looking for signs of a stroke?
I feel silly asking this question, but yeh. It would be great if I knew that was the case.
While a CT brain scan is a CT brain scan to some there are different protocols employed when performing the scan that do allow for each scan to be performed a bit differently. One of the things looked for with tumors is if the tumor "lights up" from the contrast. Depending on the facility, the protocol and your own physical tolerance for contrast (Creatinine level, other indicators with kidneys, diabetes, etc.) you may or may not have had an enhanced CT. Most likely you did as non enhanced and then enhanced images are usually used in a stroke protocol. If so, gross abnormalities would be identified. If the raw data is still available the Radiologist could have it reprocessed and look at it for other abnormalities besides the stroke. Usually raw data is not stored and kept only for a short time due to storage issues and space.
For intricate and delicate structures in the brain an MRI is the gold standard.
It is best to consult your doctor with your concerns. As you mentioned you are planning to do this but for your own peace of mind you might want to do this sooner rather than later.
While a CT brain scan is a CT brain scan to some there are different protocols employed when performing the scan that do allow for each scan to be performed a bit differently. One of the things looked for with tumors is if the tumor "lights up" from the contrast. Depending on the facility, the protocol and your own physical tolerance for contrast (Creatinine level, other indicators with kidneys, diabetes, etc.) you may or may not have had an enhanced CT. Most likely you did as non enhanced and then enhanced images are usually used in a stroke protocol. If so, gross abnormalities would be identified. If the raw data is still available the Radiologist could have it reprocessed and look at it for other abnormalities besides the stroke. Usually raw data is not stored and kept only for a short time due to storage issues and space.
For intricate and delicate structures in the brain an MRI is the gold standard.
It is best to consult your doctor with your concerns. As you mentioned you are planning to do this but for your own peace of mind you might want to do this sooner rather than later.
There was no contrast used. I have had a few CT scans in my life with contrast (abdomen, chest) ... but this one was done with no contrast (don't know why, I don't ask questions). But now I am worried a bit . I might just see the doctor and hope (if he for some reason feels it necessary) that he can obtain the images (if still stored) from the ER. It's the same hospital association. I'd hate to have to be exposed to more radiation in the head just for better imaging. Can a CBC show anything worthwhile?
Yup, a radiologist's job is to make the requesting physician aware of all the abnormalilties found on a specific radiologic study, even if it's not why the study was requested in the first place.
I would agree, if the CT was done with and without contrast. If it was done without contrast then the CT could have missed a tumor.
I have seen it before, where a CT without contrast miss a tumor that with contrast actually detected.
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. I might just see the doctor and hope (if he for some reason feels it necessary) that he can obtain the images (if still stored) from the ER. It's the same hospital association. I'd hate to have to be exposed to more radiation in the head just for better imaging. Can a CBC show anything worthwhile?
