Checklist
For a neurosurgery opinion, send the full MRI images and reports of the brain or spine, any CT scans, biopsy reports if a tumour has been sampled, a timeline of symptoms, a list of medicines including anti-seizure drugs, and details of any implants. The NHS notes that an MRI brain scan is the main test to check for a tumour.
Neurosurgeons plan almost entirely from images. MedlinePlus explains that a head MRI can help diagnose bleeding, aneurysms, infections, tumours, stroke and hydrocephalus. The NHS adds that a biopsy identifies a tumour’s type and grade. A complete set of images, rather than selected pictures, lets the surgeon see the whole picture and measure accurately. The list below covers brain and spine cases. Send whatever applies to you.
Which scans should you send?
- MRI brain or spine images in full, as DICOM files or a viewer link.
- Scans with and without contrast, if both were done.
- CT scans, including any done in an emergency.
- Angiography images for aneurysms or vascular problems.
- The written report for every scan, with dates.
- Earlier scans for comparison, especially for slow-growing lesions.
Which reports explain the diagnosis?
- Biopsy or histopathology report, if a sample has been taken.
- Operation notes from any earlier brain or spine surgery.
- Neurologist’s letters and examination findings.
- EEG reports for seizures or epilepsy.
- Nerve conduction or EMG reports for nerve or spine problems.
What history should you write down?
- When symptoms began and how they have changed.
- Headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, speech or vision changes.
- Balance, memory or personality changes noticed by family.
- Bladder or bowel changes with spine problems.
- Any recent falls or injuries.
Which medicines and devices should you list?
- Anti-seizure medicines with doses.
- Steroids, with the dose and start date.
- Blood thinners, clearly marked.
- Implants such as shunts, aneurysm clips, pacemakers or cochlear implants.
- Kidney problems, which may affect MRI contrast use.
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Sudden symptoms are an emergency
A sudden severe headache, new weakness, loss of speech or a first seizure needs emergency care where you are. An overseas opinion is for planned decisions, not emergencies.
Questions people ask
Why do implants matter for a neurosurgery opinion?
MedlinePlus advises telling the team about implants such as pacemakers, aneurysm clips and cochlear implants before an MRI, because the magnet can affect them. The surgeon also needs to know about any earlier shunts or clips when planning.
Is a radiology report enough without the images?
Usually not for neurosurgery. The surgeon needs to see the size, position and relation of a lesion to nearby structures. Send the full image set and the report together, ideally as DICOM files or a secure viewer link.
Will I need new scans in India?
Possibly. The treating team may repeat imaging closer to surgery or use specific sequences for planning. Your neurosurgeon decides what is needed after reviewing what you send and will explain why.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.