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Suggest Ways To Rule Out Brain Tumor
Question: This is an unusual question as I am a little unsure of my symptoms. To start, I am a terrible hypochondriac.
The other night I woke and as I was returning from the restroom, I thought/felt like there were lights flashing in the room. It was very regular- maybe on a second/off a second. lasted a few minutes. Actually felt like it was from an external source, but I couldn't identify its origin. Seemed like an alternating patch of light on a wall, then covered by a shadow. Maybe electrical, or helicopter, for example.
I noticed it on one wall especially where a clock light was shining, but not on other walls.
My anxiety causes me to worry about brain tumor. I know its hard to interpret, but do the symptoms seem concerning.
I have no nausea, no balance problems, no thinking problems, no headaches.
Have not had a repeat occurrence in the last 3 days.
Does this sound like it is an internal or external source?
Thanks.
The other night I woke and as I was returning from the restroom, I thought/felt like there were lights flashing in the room. It was very regular- maybe on a second/off a second. lasted a few minutes. Actually felt like it was from an external source, but I couldn't identify its origin. Seemed like an alternating patch of light on a wall, then covered by a shadow. Maybe electrical, or helicopter, for example.
I noticed it on one wall especially where a clock light was shining, but not on other walls.
My anxiety causes me to worry about brain tumor. I know its hard to interpret, but do the symptoms seem concerning.
I have no nausea, no balance problems, no thinking problems, no headaches.
Have not had a repeat occurrence in the last 3 days.
Does this sound like it is an internal or external source?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry if single episode
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Single episode of such symptom in night while awakening from sleep maybe be hallucination.
Possibility of external source is less likely if you have searched for the source.
Repeated or persistent symptoms requires further investigation.
No need to worry at present.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Nothing to worry if single episode
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Single episode of such symptom in night while awakening from sleep maybe be hallucination.
Possibility of external source is less likely if you have searched for the source.
Repeated or persistent symptoms requires further investigation.
No need to worry at present.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Sorry - but one follow up if I may (feel free to charge me again). My strong feeling is what I experienced was external.....but hoping you could address the symptom and pattern.
How likely would a brain tumor cause a regularly timed perceived flash of dark that lasts a second or less, but keeps repeating at a consistent interval of very second or two.
It really seemed external, but could you comment on the specifics of the symptom, which was very brief with regularly spaced repetition.
Thanks again. . By the way, the pattern only seemed to take place in just one side of the room I was in, and lasted maybe 2 minutes or so.
Thanks.
How likely would a brain tumor cause a regularly timed perceived flash of dark that lasts a second or less, but keeps repeating at a consistent interval of very second or two.
It really seemed external, but could you comment on the specifics of the symptom, which was very brief with regularly spaced repetition.
Thanks again. . By the way, the pattern only seemed to take place in just one side of the room I was in, and lasted maybe 2 minutes or so.
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry at this moment
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.
Yes, possibility if external source is more likely if the symptoms were only present over one wall and not on others.
Brain tumor may also produce visual seizures with similar presentation but other symptoms are more likely like persistent headache, loss of consciousness, weakness of limbs, speech difficulty or seizures.
Don't worry at this moment as the episode occurred once.
If very anxious and concerned get examined by a physician or neurologist and if required get a CT head.
Wishing you good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Nothing to worry at this moment
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.
Yes, possibility if external source is more likely if the symptoms were only present over one wall and not on others.
Brain tumor may also produce visual seizures with similar presentation but other symptoms are more likely like persistent headache, loss of consciousness, weakness of limbs, speech difficulty or seizures.
Don't worry at this moment as the episode occurred once.
If very anxious and concerned get examined by a physician or neurologist and if required get a CT head.
Wishing you good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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