Diagnosis, investigations and tests

Many people discover they have a brain tumour following a visit to the Emergency Department with severe symptoms such as a seizure, uncontrolled headaches, a weakness down one side of their body or changes in personality. Others see their GP about the symptoms they maybe experiencing which will lead to a referral into the hospital.

 

You may undergo the following tests:

 

Blood test – A blood test cannot diagnose a brain tumour. However, some tumours can release certain hormones or chemicals into the blood. Read more about blood tests and book an appointment.

 

CT scan - CT scans can be used to take three dimensional pictures of your brain. If it is suspected that your cancer may have started elsewhere in the body your doctor may request a full body CT. This normally takes around 10 minutes. Discover more about CT scans.

 

Brain MRI scan - MRI uses magnetism and radio waves to create a cross sectional picture of the brain. You will have an MRI scan to give the doctors a clearer picture of your brain than can be provided by a CT scan. The scan itself normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour and you will have an injection of contrast during the scan. Find out more about MRI scans.

 

Neurological examination - This will be conducted by a doctor in order to check your nervous system. It may involve checking your eye movements, checking your reflexes, seeing the strength of your arms and legs, as well as asking you some simple memory questions.