Focal dilatation in cerebral artery

I'm a 50 year old school teacher, with a history of balance disorder (spanning 10 years), beginning with a 'brain incident' 10 yrs ago. Have had episodic balance/gait problems approx every 2 yrs since then, always disappear after anywhere between 1-10 weeks duration. Most recent episode has not disappeared, disequilibrium has remained, intermitent,blurred vision, short-term memory  questionable, very foggy. MRI/MRA concludes subcortical hyperintensities(longstanding), pineal cyst  adjacent to dorsal margin of tectal plate, focal dilatation demonstarted on P1 segment of left posterior cerebral artery measuring 1.8mm. Treated for underactive thyroid.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Your present symptoms may be very hard to pin on these findings.  The most that can happen, I believe, is that this focal dilatation may be compressing some parts of the cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls gait and balance). However, the size makes this theory less plausible.  You may also want to discuss with your neurologist regarding problems with the inner ear, or eyes (as these organs are also used for balance).  Systemic problems such as blood pressure and sugar problems may sometimes be the culprit.  Also make sure that your thyroid function is maintained, since hypothyroidism may explain part of your symptoms.

Regards and God bless.