CT. Scan vs MRI

[Gearbox123]

Hello everyone. Has anyone been diagnosed with there A.N by means of a C.T scan vs the MRI? Does the C.T scan allow the Doctors to get different type of view? Has anyone been diagnosed with a tumor below I.A.C say on the facial nerve near there jaw and if so by what means  was it found ?

[PaulW]

It's difficult to diagnose small Acoustic Neuroma's via CT Scan as the tumor is of a similar consistency to the brain.
Its detected by the brain being displaced/ pushed to one side, but also by looking at a thickening of the Internal Auditory Canal.
The tumor puts so much pressure on the Internal Auditory Canal that it deforms the bone, and that is visible via CT Scan even when the tumour is still invisible.
A CT Scan will also not distinguish if it is an Acoustic Neuroma or many other sorts of tumor.
If you have been sent for a CT Scan for facial nerve or hearing problems, especially for something around the jaw, this is probably for another  problem...
Exostosis are a common cause of hearing loss and can be solved by minor surgery..
Exostosis are often visible to the doctor, and a CT Scan would be requested so that the minor surgery can be planned if required.
 

[Sheryl]

Great response Paul.  Also, if you can avoid CT scans anywhere in the body, it is a good idea as they emit radiation, whereas; MRIs do not. Obviously, there are situations when you cannot avoid a CT scan.
Sheryl

[Gearbox123]

Thanks for the helpful replies. No I have not been sent for a C.T scan, just frustrated with a small 5 mm A.N which I think is consistently growing , my next MRI is  not until Jan 2016. A lot of pain and  numbness lower and upper jaw, fullness in my ear almost all the time, dizziness back again  more so, it all just points to the tumor ,so with time on my hands I start thinking of other possibilities.  Thanks again for the helpful information. 

[PaulW]

Fullness in the ear and dizziness are typical AN symptoms.
Pain and numbness in the jaw are not typical for a 5mm AN.
I think it would be wise to investigate the jaw pain and numbness separately to the AN.

[MG]

Gearbox 123,
You might check out TMJ. I have heard that a lot of people have it along with their AN. A dentist may help.

Good luck,
MG