Help interpret my wife's MRI

[Ashwan]

My wife has a long history of Migraines. She is 32 now and the migraines frequency and impact is increasing with time. I took her neurologist and got her MRI done. The results were a little concerning for me. It says:

Findings: The Ventricular Caliber is Normal. No shift in midline structure. Small cystic structure is seen in the body of left caudate nucleus. This could represent a chronic lacunar infarct or a development incidental cyst. It does no enhance. There is no evidence of any demyelnating plague. Tonsils are at normal location. Sella is normal. Posterior fossa shows a middle fourth ventricle. Brainstem and cerebellum are normal. The basilar and internal carotid arteries are patent. There is no evidence of any abnormal contrast enhancement. No abnormal signal intensity on the diffusion or gradient echo sequence.

Impression:

Subtle 4 mm cystic structure in the body of left caudate nucleus may represent chronic lacunar infarct or a developmental incidental cyst. Otherwise normal examination.

[Ashwan]

I really appreciate your replying to my question. I have schedules an appointment with neurosurgeon and have my fingers crossed

[Ashwan]

I really appreciate your replying to my question. I have schedules an appointment with neurosurgeon and have my fingers crossed

[eatgrains]

Well an infarct is basically a stroke where blood supply is cut off from brain tissue
Looks like lacunar infarct is due to occluded artery
I think I read that it is often or at least used to be considered benign
BUT now I think that they are finding that it may increase risk of more severe strokes?  I am only a nurse ...... And I had to look it up just now to refresh my memory - so don't listen to me. Of course see the doc ASAP
I have lesions on my brain and worry that it may be mini strokes as opposed to MS
She needs to take care of herself and eat healthy, exercise, and stay slim
Avoid high blood pressure

[tingletingle]

Hi Aswan
Yes I can well imagine the concern you have for the love of your life. Hopefully you'll be seeing the neuro shortly to explain the result.

I'm not medically trained just a patient like most here but I'd say the great news is that it doesn't look like MS because it says no demyelination.  

The concern is the very small 4mm cyst which has no doubt been causing or contributing to your wife's terrible headaches. Your neurologist will advise but I would imagine it is way too small to treat. They can grow to be grapefruit in size. Things in the brain can be very scary but please know medical science and technology has come along way and the outcomes can be astonishingly good if the cyst needs to be removed.

I've just had a golf ball sized brain tumour removed and can report that my symptoms were gone immediately after surgery. It's now 4 weeks later and I'm trying to go back to work I feel so good.

Anyway, comfort your wife by showering her with affection and just sit and listen to her fears and concerns without trying to fix the problem   No need to start worrying about death and disability just yet. Put your trust in the doctors.

Blessings
Alex