MRI Interpretation: Does anyone know what this means?

[momto2grls]

I had an MRI of the brain a few months ago. The neuroloist told me all was normal "from a neurological standpoint." Not too sure what she meant by that, but I just got copies for my personal records. This is what it says :

"Several nonspecific punctate white matter foci are present, which most likely represent mild chronic small vessel ischemic disease".

Does anyone know what this means?

[BOK2Bjan]

Oh my, doctors never cease to amaze me.  They answer things either by saying nothing at all, or by saying something that is more convoluted and confusing than necessary.

You can't always tell by looking at ONE MRI, what's going on.  You might have a hint, but can't always be very sure.  It depends on clinical signs, medical history, and changes over time.

The explanation given is saying small strokes - TIAs.  Multiple Ischemia of the small vessels means that the blockage has caused death to the brain tissue downstream of the blocked vessel.  When it's a large vessel, it can cause a major stroke.  If you have "CHRONIC" blockage, you need that checked and now.  Because something needs to be done to prevent further damage to larger vessels.  If you have a stroke from a blockage, it can be busted up within a window of time and there will be no permanent damage.  If it's not busted up in time - permanent damage occurs.  This is serious.  If indeed, that's what the doctor thinks it is - there needs to be follow up right away.  You could be put on blood thinners, like Coumadin, which is no picnic, but could save your life.  If it's something else, you need to find out.

See a different doctor if this one won't give you the courtesy to do the necessary tests to uncover what is really going on!!!!!!!!!!!!

Makes me angry - sorry.

I'd like to hear what happens, and I'll pray that you get some answers soon.

Blessings, Jan

[momto2grls]

MRI was done to r/o MS, which is also why I don't understand why the doc. doesn't want to order an MRI of the Thoracic spine. I requested it and she just wrapped up the conversation and handed me a prescription for Cymbalta (which I am not taking).
I'm so frustrated, I have no  idea if this is MS or something else, but don't the docs realize they have to run the proper tests to find out. This doc seems to think she can  figure it all out just by looking at me. I finally got tested for lyme (by a different doc., so can check that off my list) still awating results though.
Sorry for the rant, I'm just so frustrated. I am noticing more weakness in my left leg (can barely walk up and down the stairs on most days) and just don't know where to turn.

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Why did the Dr. run the MRI?  I'm with Karen, a bit of an interp/explanation fromt he Dr. would of been useful.

I'm needing a refresher if you are feeling up to it.

ttys,
shell

[Karen99]

Hi.  saveone answered your question but I'd like to add that I would not be pleased with any neurologist that gave me THAT worthless verbal interpretation of an abnormal MRI.

This is another example of the importance of obtaining ones own medical records.  A friend on mine recently had an abdominal CT.  The written report states that "the spleen is visible"..........blah........blah.   Really?  It was REMOVED 35 years ago.  An earlier CT addressed the removed spleen.  

[momto2grls]

Thanks so much for your response. It's funny, I don't have any of the risk factors mentioned. I'm not diabetic, bp runs low, chol has always been low? I think I will do a google search to learn more. Thanks again. :)

[saveone]

http://www.justanswer.com/questions/1rqmn-small-vessel-ischemic-disease

i will clarify this:small vessel ishemic disease ie found on MRI scan can be also called as (White matter disease or periventricular white matter change)

now let me explian that white matter(ie part of brain) changes occurs mostly in patients with High blood pressure(hypertension disease),with patients suffering from migranes or headaches and other medical illness.

however i repeat as i mentioned above that what makes changes in White matter of the brain are mostly linked with Atherosclerosis of the small vessels(as in your case)(ie small blood vessels are blocked in some places resulting in less supply of oxygen to the white matter of the brain hence ishemia occurs)

and atherosclerosis occurs due to risk factors ie high BP ,High cholesterol levels, diabetes patients.



i hope i have answered your question.



thanks for responding back.



Please click "ACCEPT" if I answered your question to your satisfaction .POSITIVE FEEDBACK / BONUS will be highly appriciated.




Edited by jay on January 29 2009 at 11:10 AM
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Expert: Dr Singh
Pos. Feedback: 96.5 %
Accepts: 380
Answered: January 29 2009

Doctor (MD)


Read more: http://www.justanswer.com/questions/1rqmn-small-vessel-ischemic-disease#ixzz0Lek0rUON  

I hope this helps.  You can also google small vessel ishemic disease.

take care, terry