Need for MRI? Please Help.

[jsm7748]

I am a 25 year old white female with a history of headaches and dizziness over the past several months. The dizziness is defintely worse than the headaches but the headaches do seem to be present although they come and go. The dizziness is almost always present when I am walking but not present when I am sitting down. I have never had an episode of fainting or sycope. The dizziness became so bad in August that I went to the ER. They did a CT scan w/o IV contrast and all restuls came back normal. They said it was probably just vertigo and encouraged me to follow up with a neurologist if things continued or got worse. Symptoms subsided for a short amount of time but they appear to be back and the dizziness is worse than typical. I occasionally feel that I am having vision disturbances (floaters or double vision). My question is this, Should I follow up with a neurologist? If my CT scan was normal what are the chances that an MRI exam would come back different?  On a side but related note, I do have an extreme history of anxiety, especially related to medical issues and dont want to waste my time and insurance benefits if all these symptoms are surrounding my anxiety. Any input, especially from medical professionals, would be great. Thank you!

[COBOB]

CT is good for High Density (lots of mass with little water) imaging think bone, hard tumors, blood push the brain out of the way, etc.  MRI is is good for lower density imaging where the there is more water and less bone/high density stuff.  Think cartilage, soft tumors, blood vessels in the brain, little plaque lesions on the white matter of the brain, etc.  When you have headaches not related to trauma, MRI is the imaging modality of choice.  ER Dr. go with CT because the can see displacement of the brain, major bleeds, etc.  MRI takes a lot of time.

It would be best to discuss with your PCP if you should see a Neurologist.  The Neurologist will take a history, do an exam and then plan what is next.  That plan may include and MRI.

Bob

[selmaS]

Hi...I understand ur concerns about wasting time, money etc...but this is ur health.

First, I would request copies of ur tests, CT scans etc...along with reports...makes it easier to get a second opinion.

Many diff conditions can cause anxiety .....so, if dx'd and treated u may rid urself of this symptom....and some of the others u r concerned about...no way to know unless u go to the dr.

many times conditions can get overlooked as the dr is looking for horses and never sees the zebras...so , do get copies of ur scans and have them reviewed.

Good luck and do post updates :)
"selma"