Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 4/29/2008

Question
I have been having headaches, numbness on the right side of my bottom lip, right side of my back below the shoulderblade, and in my pinky and ring finger of my right hand. I also have had confusion and cognitive problems (I can't remember words and phrases) as well as passing out at work once last year and almost every day being confused at some point and wondering where I am for a few min. I drop things easliy and walk into walls or doors with very poor balance. I also have insomnia. My doctor referred me to a neurologist who thinks I have been having seizures (most likely absence seizures) sent me for an EEG and MRI. Both showed abnormalitied in my frontal left lobe and a possible 7mm mass in the frontal left lobe (I say possible b/c the MRI tech says it is a possibility it could be from an outside source or the machine) and scheduled me for a followup MRI with contrast this time in 6 weeks. All this has me and my wife worried sick. My question is should I wait for the six weeks or should I find another neurologist who will get me another MRI sooner? Should I be worrying as much as I am about a possible turmor? Also, is MRI better than CT in this situation? There has been talk of MS also, but that is very difficult to diagnose and could take years, yet I feel as if my body is quitting more and more every day. Any suggetions? Sorry for the rambling.

Answer
Yes an MRI is better in this situation than a CT! A new contrast MRI is absolutely essential! I'm a Swede living in Sweden so unfortunately I can not evaluate your possibilities of having such an MRI faster via another neurologist compared to getting it surely in 6 weeks - though that is rather far off in time in my opinion. Whatever the nature would be of a 7 mm mass, it can probably be eliminated if necessary with the radiological (non surgical) GammaKnife. Good luck! Please do keep me posted!