2nd MRI or biopsy?

Posted By Carolyn H. on October 03, 1998 at 12:46:32:







Hi,
  This is my second question, thanks for answering.
I am a 40 yr old female who recently went to the ER because of a
severe headache accompanied by uncontrolled high blood pressure 180/130.
I was treated for the BP with procardia which brought it down to normal
range. They were unable to help the headache even with IV morphine, but
after I vomited the headache eventually subsided to tolerable levels.
The ER doctor wanted to rule out an aneurysm so she ordered a CT scan which
came back abnormal, then ordered an MRI which also came back abnormal.
A neuruologist was called in and he told me he felt it was a tumor. A
neurosurgeon was called in and he wasn't as sure it was, said it could be
scar tissue or just the way I was born. I've since had an EEG which came
back normal and an LP which of the tests that have come back (all but
cultures) all are normal. I have no symptoms of a BT (slurred speech,
dizziness, double vision) except possibly increased headaches which for the
most part I would consider mild to moderate.
  
The neurosurgeon gave me two options 1. wait three months and have another
MRI or 2. have a biopsy done (sounded too scarey), so I opted for the wait.
  Now after doing some research and learning a few things about BT I'm
beginning to wonder if I made the right decision of waiting. If I go back
in 3 months for 2nd MRI and there is no change, is that the end? Am I
guaranteed there is no tumor that it's just "something else"? Do the normal
EEG and initial LP tests rule out a BT? Why would the neurologist suspect
a brain tumor? What are the chances of having a BT without symptoms?
  Would you suggest a biopsy or waiting for 2nd MRI?
Thanks for any answers   :o)