Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Neurology
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I have a severe headache. Doctor thought I had a sinus infection. Almost three weeks later did a CT scan but no sinus infection. Kindly help me.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I would like to know more about your complaints:
1) Is this the first time in your life that you experience this type of headache?
2) Is it throbbing or like pressure?
3) How long does it last?
4) Do you feel nauseous or vomiting during the headache?
Severe headaches could be related to migraines. Anyway, if this is the first time in your life that you experience such type of headache, I would recommend going to the ER (emergency) for a physical exam and a brain CT (computed tomography) scan.
Please answer the questions for further help.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you.
I have had ongoing sinus headaches for 20 years or more. And that is what I thought this was, but it would not go away. I went to the doctor, and she thought it was a sinus infection. I took two different antibiotics, but it continues. The pain is in both eyes and up my head. If I touch my eyebrow, I can trace the pain all around my eyes. About two weeks ago, random nausea set in, but it comes and goes, and the fever became horrible. My normal temperature uses to be 97, but I have been over 100. That is why my doctor did the CT scan, but with no infection, so she wants me to see a neurologist. Until today I was sure I had chronic sinusitis. My brother recently passed away from a brain tumor. I never even consider that. Kindly give your opinion.
Hello.
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
If the brain CT scan is normal, we can exclude any sinusitis or brain tumor. Coming to this point, I would recommend checking for Lyme disease (blood test) and performing a gadolinium enhancement brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging. Other tests to consider would be complete blood count, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) for inflammation, RF (rheumatoid factor) plasma levels, ASO (antistreptolysin O) titer for chronic streptococcal infection.
I hope this was helpful.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you.
My CT scan was only of my sinuses. My doctor did not order a full brain scan. Would a tumor be detected on just a CT of my sinus?
My CT scan report is as follows:
1) Frontal sinuses are hypoplastic but clear. Frontal recesses are patent.
2) The ethmoid sinuses are clear.
3) Right maxillary sinus is clear. The osteomeatal unit is patent.
4) Left maxillary sinus is clear. The osteomeatal unit is patent.
5) Sphenoid sinus is normally aerated and is clear.
6) Nasal septum deviates slightly to the right with a small spur extending towards the middle meatus region. The nasal airway is patent. Turbinates are normally formed.
7) Adenoids within normal limits for age.
8) Bony integrity is normal
9) Impression is CT of the paranasal sinuses is within normal limits without evidence for acute or chronic sinusitis.
Kindly give your opinion.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
This type of CT scan does not examine the brain. So, we can not exclude a brain tumor.
Coming to this point, I would recommend performing a brain MRI in order to examine the brain structure. MRI does not impose a high risk of radiation and is more sensitive than a brain CT scan for this purpose.
I hope this was helpful.
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