Can MRI results be misread? 24/7 severe headache for 4 weeks

Hi all

I recently was admitted twice to hospital by my gp for severe headaches. The first time they didn't do any tests other that blood tests and send me home after 8 hours of waiting. Second time the repeated the bloods but referred for an MRI as an outpatient (at this point it had been 2 weeks of a constant 24/7 headache and pressure). I had the brain MRI and waited 2 weeks for the result which came back today as normal! I am utterly shocked as I have had this for 4 weeks now including nausea & sickness, weakness down one side, changes to vision and extreme tiredness. I'm just worried they have missed something and the result is wrong.

I am just really scared and confused now as they were initially scanning for suspected tumor or excess fluid but it's come back as "structurally normal" -received the letter this morning from the Dr who is an acute medicine, stroke doctor. Not sure whether to pay privately for a second opinion as something definitely isn't right. I will message gp tomorrow as they are offline at this time of day to try and ask if they can get to the bottom of what's going on and figure it out, order more tests etc.

I have been out of my mind with worry as I have 3 young girls and having a headache like this for this length of time isn't normal. It's affecting everything.

Sorry to rant just very worried and confused as to what to do.

  • Hi Mum_to_3,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. It's good to hear the results were normal although I appreciate this also creates some confusion and doesn't help with your ongoing symptoms.

    Hopefully by now you've had a chance to speak to your GP to see if they can provide any more information or reassurance.

    We have some information on our website about getting a second opinion. However as you have already been referred for specialist tests, it may not be quite as relevant.

    Do of course also speak to your doctor regarding management of any symptoms, as well as getting further answers as needed.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, can I ask did you get an answer for the headaches?