Help with MRI Report

An MRI showed abnormal signal in periventricular white matter. The radiologist suggests gliosis from remote trauma (possible). Could it also be obstructive sleep apnea (which I have)?

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you or placing your investigation findings, I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

Abnormal signaling in white matter could be due to white matter disease. There can be many possibilities in your case that involve the brain white matter, either exclusively or in combination with grey matter changes. These include metabolism errors, exogenous toxins released by virus, autoimmune disease, leukodystrophy, demyelination, and radiation effects. Spasticity, muscle weakness, paralysis, hyper-reflexia and movement disorder may be the clinical features associated with white matter disease that need to be evaluated thoroughly. However, it is sad to say that there is no permanent cure but conservative treatment & physiotherapy exercises that would help you to regain your normal function and stopping the further progression of the disease. Please consult a neurologist in this regards. Hope this helps.