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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Abnormal symptoms
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Abnormal symptoms
by leealee, Jul 13, 2006 12:00AM
Brief History: I am a 28 year old female who has always suffered from headaches. Sometimes my headaches get so bad that I went and had tests done. Nov. 2003 MRI/MRA with and without contrast performed everything normal, April 2005 CT scan done normal, Feb 2006 eye doctor appointment and everything normal.
However, the minor headaches I am having now are accompanied with some other symptoms that I have never had before. Weakness in right arm/wrist, extreme discomfort in left side of neck along with pain, short term memory lapses, loss of balance, urge to vomit (but nothing yet) and ringing in left ear. I am also 21 weeks pregnant so I don't know if any of these symptoms are related to that.
I was wondering if anyone has any idea what could be causing these symptoms. I am very worried about a brain tumor but I try and ease myself since all the tests I have had always come back negative. Plus, I didn't know since I had a CT scan done 14 months ago if a tumor could develop and cause these type of symptoms that quickly. Please help!
Twice I was awoken from my sleep because of pressure in my head (like a tingling sensation)!
However, the minor headaches I am having now are accompanied with some other symptoms that I have never had before. Weakness in right arm/wrist, extreme discomfort in left side of neck along with pain, short term memory lapses, loss of balance, urge to vomit (but nothing yet) and ringing in left ear. I am also 21 weeks pregnant so I don't know if any of these symptoms are related to that.
I was wondering if anyone has any idea what could be causing these symptoms. I am very worried about a brain tumor but I try and ease myself since all the tests I have had always come back negative. Plus, I didn't know since I had a CT scan done 14 months ago if a tumor could develop and cause these type of symptoms that quickly. Please help!
Twice I was awoken from my sleep because of pressure in my head (like a tingling sensation)!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jul 14, 2006 12:00AM
, Jul 14, 2006 12:00AM
Negative brain imaging in the past would make a tumor less likely. It is uncommon, but possible for something to develop in the interim.
Repeating the MRI can be considered to rule out this possibility. If negative, then a brain tumor would be extemely unlikely.
The other neurological symptoms - weakness, memory lapses, loss of balance - should be evaluated by a neurology referral.
These options should be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Repeating the MRI can be considered to rule out this possibility. If negative, then a brain tumor would be extemely unlikely.
The other neurological symptoms - weakness, memory lapses, loss of balance - should be evaluated by a neurology referral.
These options should be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (2)
by sabie, Jul 14, 2006 12:00AM
To: Forum-M.D.-KP
I didn't think I could have an MRI or even a CT scan done because I am pregnant. Is this possible?
by purrrkat, Aug 21, 2006 12:00AM
Your symptoms sound like migraine. I've suffered from migraines all my life, and they came more frequently when I was pregnant. You might want to talk to your ob/gyn about possibly taking migraine medication (if it's safe to take while pregnant; I took Excedrin even though the aspirin in it was considered somewhat unsafe--I was desperate and I kept my usage to a minimum).
