MRI says one thing and blood test say another

[cmills]

I have been thru a multitude of tests recently that began when I was taken to the ER for a severe headache - which 30days later I still have.  The ER did a CT scan which suggested parathyroid disease.  Doctor ran a series of test checking metabolic, cbc, and pth levels - all normal.  Then did and MRI which also shows parathyroid disease - (calcification present)  Now I am being sent to a Neurologist and it has me nervous because my family history includes a father who had cancer, a mother that dies from ALS, a grandfather that had Parkinsons, and bunches of diabetics.

What else can cause this ?

[cmills]

Can heavy bilateral calcification of the basal ganglia be nothing to worry about?  

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

CT and MRI do not detect parathyroid disease -- this imaging can demonstrate abnormal appearance in the usual place of parathyroid glands (behind the thyroid) but the blood tests detect the disease -- so if calcium is normal, it's not likely a parathyroid problem.  Would have a neck ultrasound to further clarify what may be happening there.