Your Doctor will refer you to your local hospital or special neuro-science unit for more investigations.
These will consist of an MRI scan or a CT scan (to give a picture of inside the head) and some neurological tests to assess things like balance, sight and strength (functions like these may be affected if a tumour or leison is in the brain).
If any abnormalities are found you will then see a neurologist or a neurosurgeon to discuss any treatment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan - MRI scan is used to give a clear picure of the brain itself. it will show exactly where the tumour is and the size of it.
The scan is painless and takes about 30-45 minutes but unfortunately it is very loud. Young children may find it frightening and may need to be sedated or occasionally a general anaesthetic will be given. You will be given earplugs to help with the noise. The staff can talk to you while you are in the scanner to let you know what is happening. Some hospitals will let you take a tape or CD of your favourite music which they will play for you to help you to relax and to mask the noise.
You will lie flat on the scanner bed and it will move slowly into the machine, some people may find it a bit claustrophoic but if you ask your consultant you should be allowed to see the scanner beforehand to put you at ease. You can also ask to have someone in the room with you.
Sometimes an injection will be given into the back of your hand which consists of a dye. This dye travels to the brain and will give a clearer picture of the tumour.
Computed Tomography Scan - CT scan is a specialised x-ray which also gives a clear picture of the brain. It is a lot quieter and a bit quicker than the MRI scanner. Again a dye will probably be used as this gives a much clearer image of the brain and tumour or lesion. You can have someone in the CT room with you when you have a scan but they will need to wear a special apron to protect them from the x-rays.
There are 3 main treatments which are used in this country to treat a brain tumour;
surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy
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