My 43 year old wife was recently sick with a virus (ran a 103.6 fever). She was prescribed amoxicilin and felt better within 3-4 days. Shortly after she began feeling better, she woke up one morning with a severe headache in her right temple and it hurt to open her jaw. We went to the emergency room, they tested her vision, eye pressure, and had a CT scan. All the tests were fine. The ER doctor said all her symptons pointed towards temporal arteritis, but said it was unlikely, because of her age. He put her on 60 mg of prednisone, and arranged to have her see her regular Dr.
We went to see her regular Dr. two days later, and said he couldn't believe it was temporal arteritis due to her age. He reduced her prednisone to 40mg/day, and ordered MRI and MRA tests. At this point, my wife was feeling better - the headache was gone.
A few days later, she had her MRI and MRA tests with contrast. Her Dr. called back and said the MRA test was fine, but the MRI showed a "small dark spot" on the left side. The spot was approx. 7mm large. He said it could be anything, but did mention the term "glioma". He said the spot could have been there for years, or could have been recent. He said this spot had nothing to do with her right side temple pain, which was probably due to the initial virus. He is weaning her off the prednisone, and said she needs a blood test 4-5 weeks after she finished the prednisone. He also advised another MRI in approx. 90 days.
Now, obviously my wife is incredibly worried. She hasn't slept, and after looking up glioma on the internet, she's even more worried. These next 90 days are going to be extremely difficult. Could there be a non-cancerous explanation for the spot? Would you suggest she see a neurologist for an additional opinion? Is the blood test and follow up MRI pretty standard? I'm just looking for more information. I appreciate your time.