Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does A Neurological Examination Detect Large Tumors In Brain?
Question: Does a normal comprehensive neurological exam generally exclude tumors, or can examinations be normal and tumors may still be present? If they would be present, likely where in the brain would tumors be that give no neurological indications. I understand there are always exceptions but am looking for the 'in general' or 'nearly always' type answer.
Brief Answer:
Neurological examination may be normal in tumors.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your details. Neurological examination may be normal or abnormal in cases of brain tumors, and it depends on the size as well as the location of tumor.
Generally, in large brain tumors, the neurological examination would be abnormal. Also, tumors located in important brain areas, such as frontal, parietal, temporal or occipital lobes, thalamus, cerebellum and brain stem would result in abnormal neurological examination.
However, small brain tumors (typically less than 1 cm in size) or those located in basal ganglia, etc may not result in abnormal neurological examination.
A brain scan may be needed to conclusively exclude a brain tumor.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Neurological examination may be normal in tumors.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your details. Neurological examination may be normal or abnormal in cases of brain tumors, and it depends on the size as well as the location of tumor.
Generally, in large brain tumors, the neurological examination would be abnormal. Also, tumors located in important brain areas, such as frontal, parietal, temporal or occipital lobes, thalamus, cerebellum and brain stem would result in abnormal neurological examination.
However, small brain tumors (typically less than 1 cm in size) or those located in basal ganglia, etc may not result in abnormal neurological examination.
A brain scan may be needed to conclusively exclude a brain tumor.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
