Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
488264 tn?1226520307

What are the reasons a neurologist might order a brain MRI?

I saw a neurologist recently and he seems to think I need an MRI of the head.  I didn't ask him too much about this as we ran out of time and we had such a lot of other things to sort out.  So I didn't get to ask him why he thought this was needed or what it involved.  I have had an MRI before but not of my head.  What do they do and how long does it take?  Also what sorts of things would they be looking for?  My neurlogical exam was okay he told me and the only 'head' symptoms I described were dizziness and poor balance.  Mainly I was seeing him because of severe pain and weakness in my legs.  I'm happy to have the test as it is good to have more information, but am still a little surprised he ordered it.  Is this test ordered in all patients who describe these symptoms, or would he have had to see something in his test to alert him?  Part of me is pleased he is taking me so seriously, he was a second opinion after a neurologist who dismissed me, but also I don't know whether to be concerned or just think he is erring on the side of caution.  I suppose the best thing is not to worry but any further information on the procedure and its indications would help.  It just seems a bit of a leap from one neurologist saying there is nothing wrong, to this one ordering a scan.  Any advice would be welcome.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
488264 tn?1226520307
Thank you for your response.  I do feel I'm asking questions I should be asking the doctor here, but I do have one other question.  I will try to clarify things with the imaging team but when I rang to see if  the date for my appointment/s were showing, as I have a tight diary, I asked if there was one or more appointments.  I was told there was just the one.  The thing is the neurologist said that MRIs were needed of both my spine and my head, and I assumed this was two different procedures.  Can both be done in one procedure, or did I get him wrong?  I suppose I need to check exactly what is being scanned for my own peace of mind, but if the spine and brain can be imaged together then I assume that is what is happening.  I always think of all these questions too late, when the consultation is over.  Thanks if you answer but won't bother you again with this, I really need to be asking my hospital these questions. Fact is though that I've been fighting with them over something else and am scared they'll cancel my appointment because I'm on their case regarding another issue.  Have to keep in mind that they are supposed to be professionals.  Just want to have the test or tests, get my answers, or not, and move on.  Am very grateful one doctor is taking me seriously but do worry about 'office politics' getting in the way.  I suppose they are adults, and as a patient I should be able to ask questions, and complain.  Thank God for anonymous websites where I can voice anxieties and questions.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there.

Ancillary tests such as MRI are supposed to complement or reinforce a doctor's clinical impression based on the patient's history and physical examination.  Some doctors request tests to completely rule out a condition.  Your neurologist may be doing either of the two reasons.  He may be suspecting something wrong in your cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls balance and fine movements) or he just wants to be sure that everything is OK.  I suggest you discuss more of this when you have the time.  Regards and God bless...
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
I'm just as confused! My eye doctor saw that I have cataracs in both eyes. He sent me to a specialist and now this Doctor wants a brain scan. I've been having really bad headaches and my vision is getting worse quickly.  Second Doctor told me that these problems might have come from the radiation I had for breast cancer. I'm really freaking out about this can anyone help?
I have cataracts in both eyes. As long as I am wearing the correct eyeglasses prescription, I do not experience pain of any kind. From the symptoms you describe, it's possible you have a brain tumor and the MRI would help determine if that is the case. What kind of specialist were you sent to? A cataract surgeon or a neurologist? To me it sounds like your cancer may have reappeared in your brain, so if it were me, I'd want to know the truth ASAP.

In the meantime, eliminate cell phones and all sugar from your life. The phones emit radiation that can interfere with healthy cell function and sugar feeds cancers of all kinds. FWIW, there are tons of stories from people who have "died" and come back to say that we don't really die. We just drop our bodies and go to another level of existence that is beyond pain because those kinds of bodies don't experience pain, so make the most of your life while you are here, and then go on to your next adventure. The greatest fear is the fear of death and when one faces that fear, it can be quite liberating.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease