what tests should I get?

[kelle619]

Hey. I'm going for an Mri and Mra because I am experiencing constant dizziness and headaches and pressure.
I'm thinking of asking for a lumbar puncture also. Any other tests for dizziness and headaches? Someone mentioned evoked potential testing? I don't know what that is. Any tests that show oxygen and blood flow??
Thank you

[kelle619]

Thank you so much. I hope I get some answers also..

[rpwoodard]

Not sure, I don't want to describe inaccurately. There is plenty of information about MRIs and MRAs if you search online.

When are your tests scheduled?

I'm sorry you're experiencing dizziness and headaches. Those symptoms can be caused by so many conditions...I hope the testing helps your doctor(s) with diagnosis.
Inspired

[kelle619]

Thank you. So would a mri and Mra show blood and oxygen flow? How about any inflamed vessels. I just feel like pressure nd inflammation in my head.

[rpwoodard]

I started to type some descriptions, but I know I'm going to leave something out. The MRA & MRI are pretty easy to research online.

I had MRAs after surgery to monitor blood clots. MRA will give good view of blood vessels, a" bulge (aneurysm), clot, or the buildup of fat and calcium deposits (stenosis caused by plaque) in the blood vessels leading to the brain" (from Web MD.)

"Evoked potentials studies measure electrical activity in the brain in response to stimulation of sight, sound, or touch. Stimuli delivered to the brain through each of these senses evoke minute electrical signals. " (from Johns Hopkins website). One use is to detect tumors or other problems affecting the brain and spinal cord.

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/neurological/evoked_potentials_studies_92,P07658/

3 options:
Visual evoked response (VER) test
Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test.
Somatosensory evoked response (SSER) test.

[kelle619]

Hi. Ok I spoke with my neurologist and she said I'm getting a mri/mra. Also evoked potential tests. She wouldn't order a spinal tap though. Can anyone tell me what the mri/mra and evoked tests will show? Thanks