Is it normal to wait this long for a brain scan?

[gottachangethename1]

Very close relative had what the GP thought was a mini stroke a month ago. Two weeks ago they had tests at a TIA clinic including a brain scan. Hospital rang the next day and said they could see something on scan and another more intense scan was needed. Relative is understandably anxious and has to wait 5 weeks for the scan (they are fully booked) if things are suspected of being bad, why would they wait so long? Anyone had similar experience?

Have the NHS cuts passed you by?

I guess some people don't realise how bad it is until they're directly affected.

Thanks for your helpful reply at this difficult time

sounds twat klaxon at bombardier

OP - I would chase the consultants secretary. You may need to be persistent

A colleague had a seizure out of the blue just before Christmas, she had a scan within 24 hours, turned out to be a brain tumour. WHat I am trying to say is that if they think it is important , that something can be diagnosed no other way and that immediate treatment could be required they will scan ASAP.

Perhaps with your relative they think that whatever has happened has happened and an earlier scan won't change things or mean a poorer outcome.

It is a very worrying time, so for all your sakes I hope the eventual outcome is as good as can be.

Thanks for you replies. I am trying to find out how much it would cost to pay for them to go privately.

It's not just the scan you'll have to pay for though. It's also a consultants initial consultation (a few hundred) and then the follow up (normally about half the price of the initial consultation). They can also request more complex scans, with contrast etc

Yes. I hadn’t considered that. Just awful to watch them suffer while they wait.

Hi, I would find the wait fairly reassuring, although it must still be a worry for you. I have had scans very quickly when there has been need. 5 weeks would be within the timescale of "urgent outpatient". The only times I have had scans quicker have been as an inpatient, just after neurosurgery, or privately.

If you do decide to go private, for peace of mind, I would recommend going through a consultant with an NHS post, as it will make any follow up scans/consultations easier. I paid around £250 to see a neurologist, and about £750 for an MRI with contrast.

The Brain and Spine foundation have nurses you can phone if you/they need to discuss anything, or need any reassurance - they are very good.

I'm on the list for an unexplained seizure brain scan too and mine is in March (london) not that it helps but clearly is
common:(

We’re London too Peeblet. Keeping everything crossed for you