Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/24/2008

Question
Hi. I am 24 years old and consider myself fairly healthy. About a year and a half or so ago, I started to forget little things such as where I put something down, what I did yesterday or the day before (or months ago)...I didn't think much of it. As days and months passed, people started to notice as they had to repeat things to me over and over. Eventually, I just started telling people "i'm sorry I have horrible memory". But just two years ago, I had GREAT memory. I could remember little things, some stupid and pointless...But I remembered almost all. I have been to general physician, a neurologist and a pychiatrist. I had asked for a CT scan and the general physician set up an appointment for me for that. I had it and they sent the results to him. The place I was tested at said they found no abnormalities. The psychiatrist said that he thinks its anxiety, and the neurologist said that he doesn't think its much of anything as my reflexes (through little tests he did tapping on my knee, etc) didn't show any signs of a brain tumor. Lately, it seems to be getting worse...my memory and all. I am also more tired, and now sleep 8-10 hours per night (I used to be fine with 5-7) and I am tired while I am awake also. I feel pressure in my head, but not a headache. I can't think straight or focus on anything, and of course, can't remember much of anything. What do you think ? Thanks

Answer
If there had been a tumor giving these symptoms it should have shown up on your CT scan. An MRI scan would have been even more sure. But there are other possibilities than a brain tumor though those are outside my area of expertise here (brain tumors) since I'm not a neurologist. I can only suggest that you get a second opinion from another neurologist since your description seems rather dramatic.