Why does she need a brain scan

[Shuv007]

I recently toook my little girl for her check up at the hospital as she is small for her age and has a small head. The consultant has now said she needs a brain scan. But the x ray showed her skull forming normally. Has anybody else been in the same position or could tell me why she needs this. This is very distressing for me.

[Chillum]

I don't know why they'd be doing this other than to elimainate any causes for concern. My own son was deemed to have a large head, which we were told could be due to "water on the brain" (can't remember the medical term) and he had to undergo various tests, which was very distressing at the time. As it turned out, it was just the way he is, but at least the medical profession were alert to the fact, and looked into it. I know it deosn't help much, but try to look at it positively, in that, were there to be a problem, they're on the case. Chances are, it's just the way he/she is, but it's better to have it looked at, than not. I hope someone else can give you more relevant advice.It's easy said, but try not to worry too much.

[magicdice]

it's probably a case of better-to-be-safe-than-sorry. a normal skull doesn't necessarily mean a normal brain, so although it may seem as though there are no health problems, they are probably doing this to make sure that there is nothing wrong - if there is, and they find out now then they should be able to do something about it.

essentially, don't worry about it - if the x-ray shows that the skull's forming normally, then it's unlikely that there will be problems, but it is a good thing that they are checking to make sure. i hope it isn't too distressing for either of you, and hopefully things will work out fine.

[FP]

Perhaps you should discuss it with someone at the hospital.  If not the consultant, one of the nurses attached to the clinic.  It is such a shame that doctors often don't explain why they are doing something.   They see so many people with the same problem, that they often get quite blase about things, and forget how worring it is for a parent who hasn't experienced it before.   Fear of the unknown is worse than knowing why they are doing it. 

I have heard of this happening with lots of kids.  It is quite common and just checks that all is OK.  I personally don't know why its done or what they are looking for,  but would sincerely advise you to contact the clinic, or perhaps the NHS on line, express your fears and how it is distressing you and tell them you want to know all the facts.  Otherwise, you are going to drive yourself mad worrying unnecessarily!

Good luck x

[FP]

PS  It is your right as a parent to know ALL the facts and to find out everything you can.  Don't let the professionals be dismissive of you!

[smudge]

I can't really add much to the previous posts, except to say that my consultant told me x-rays only show up bones & scans show up tissue, etc. If the x-ray was fine, a scan would be the next step.

Your consultant might have said 'brain scan', but want to look at the head in general, just as a precautionary measure.

I'm sure your daughter will be fine, but if you speak to someone who has been dealing with your daughter, I'm sure they will put your mind at ease. Chin up & good luck. -x- 

[Ouisch]

I'm not a doctor, so this is just speculation...but if she's small for her age and they're doing a CT scan, maybe they want to rule out any tumors or abnormalities of the pituitary gland?

[FP]

Ouish's answer is very good.

However, Just to reassure Shuv007, tumours of the pituitary gland are  not usually maligant are not rare and are treatable with medication.  I posted this because I realise how the word 'tumour' can induce panic! 

[smudge]

I know you meant well Ouisch - but that is what I was trying to avoid in my post - hence my posting of scanning tissue instead, etc.

However, please dont woory too much Shuv007, I'm sure all will be fine with your daughter.

Let's know how she gets on. -x- 

[smudge]

*worry!