Please help with MRI report

I had an MRI in March that included the spine and was done with and with and w/o contrast.  Following the MRI, the neurologist’s secretary phoned to tell me “you don’t need to come back just go back to your PCP”.  I had previously called my PCP who had been referred to the neurologist.    So, there was never a follow up with anyone.    

Now I have another appointment with a different neurologist in Ann Arbor but am afraid to go.  Maybe I should just stop looking---I really don’t know.  

This is some of what was said on my first MRI in addition to something about the Chiari Malformation.  Can someone please tell me what this means?

SEVERAL SCATTERED SMALL FOCI OF INCREASED SIGNAL INTENSITY ON LONG TR ARE SEEN IN THE PERIVENTRICULAR AND MORE PERIPHERAL CEREBRAL HEMISPHERIC WHITE MATTER BILATERALLY PRIMARILY IN A FRONTAL LOBE DISTRIBUTION???

But then in the summary he calls it a

Mild chronic ischemic change of white matter

I am 53 years old. I have low blood pressure and low cholesterol.  So I don’t get it.  If I am having strokes shouldn’t they tell me?

Anyone have an idea about the MRI?  Is all this from strokes I am having without knowing.

Please help


Thanks

[tonyad]

      Oh how those sound so familiar. Sometimes I wonder if it's a CYA kinda thing.
They put the Ischemic word in just about all of the reports that are not a CLEAR CUT case of a Lesion in a PERFECT spot......

    You have no HX of High B/P or Cholesterol AND your Neuro takes this at the Radiologist word....Then I too would find another Neurologist. One who will listen
and take ALL signs and sx as well as all tests and MRI's and put them into the
who;e picture.

     Good Luck...When is your appt to the Neuro?  
Take Care,
~Tonya

[rumpled]

White matter changes can mean anything from headaches to MS to strokes to dementia to... in other words, it can be a lot, or a little. But since you were going in with symptoms, I would find another doctor who will at least follow up on the scan and make sure all is well.

[tonyad]

      Oh how those sound so familiar. Sometimes I wonder if it's a CYA kinda thing.
They put the Ischemic word in just about all of the reports that are not a CLEAR CUT case of a Lesion in a PERFECT spot......

    You have no HX of High B/P or Cholesterol AND your Neuro takes this at the Radiologist word....Then I too would find another Neurologist. One who will listen
and take ALL signs and sx as well as all tests and MRI's and put them into the
who;e picture.

     Good Luck...When is your appt to the Neuro?  
Take Care,
~Tonya

[RedFlame]

Thank you Tonya, my new neurologist appointment is this Tuesday.  I think that is why I am feeling so nervous and apprehensive.  I think instead of feeling hopeless and downcast I will be assertive and advocate for myself.

It helps so much to receive support here!

Thanks,  Lois

[tonyad]

   Yes!  You got it! Be your own best advocate. And never let the medicsl field intimidate you!  
    Be Brave, Be Strong,...You are a Limbo - Lander in need of IMMEDIATE Answers w/ non of the Bull!

    Hey, I think that will be one of my new sayings for those not yet dx......Lol
Have a GREAT weekend and make sure and write down all that you can think of as well as questions to ask.

     Let us know how that appt goes.......Crossing Fingers and sending positive vibes your way :0

~Tonya

[RedFlame]

I just picked up my MRI disk with hundreds of images on it.  

I am amazed that with all those images there is not one reference, word or attempt by the radiologist to indicate the areas of concern.  Of course I am not a doctor, but I would think there would be like an arrrow(s) to indicate these so called "areas of intensity".

The 'reports' are not even on the disk.

I am just really dreading this new neuro appointment.

I can tell you one thing, I am tired of being pushed around.  We have the best healthcare in the world----there is no reason all of us can't recieve treatment to at least halt the neuro damage.  


I think I am on a roll!:-)

[tonyad]

   Yes you are on a 'Roll'!  Stay on it all the way through your appt  :)
I also posted about my MRI results I just had done on Thursday...(for some opinions)
But no one has been kind enough to share there thoughts....Last time I ask for any Opinions!  Lol

     The ones who did reply, I appreciatd the ever so sweet, kind words.
have a sfae weekend. I will be thinking about you at your appt...   :)

~Tonya