Central atrophy

I have suffered with sever migraines for about 4 years.  A recent MRI revealed that I have non-specific white spots and central atrophy. The doctor ordered another MRI.  What does central atrophy and the white spots mean?  
Thanks. HH

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Migraine is a vascular headache. The blood vessels dilate, causing the headache. Though not related, migraine has been associated with findings on MRI of the brain. These findings are usually in the white matter. White matter is the inner core of the brain. The lesions are considered to be due to small spots of cells death. These are the "spots" on MRI. They are called hyperintense spots.

Central atrophy refers to loss of brain cells from the core of the brain. Was the earlier MRI with contrast ?

Regards