Explanation of MRI results

[Jumbug]

Hello,

My 3 year old son was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy at 9 months, At the moment he is unable to walk, his posture/balance is uncoordinated, isn't talking yet but jumbles words and says a few things like names of family members and familiar things. He moves around supported and finds it difficult to sit on his own for a long time. He has been undergoing physio therapy and other occupational therapy and we are interested in exploring the stem cell treatment so he had MRI done a couple of days ago.

MRI Scan
Multiplanar, multiecho MRI of the brain was performed without IV contrast administration

Findings
- No space - occupying lesion or focal/diffuse area of signal abnormality is detected in cerebral parenchyma
- Brain stem and cerebellum appear normal
- Ventricles, basal cisterns, cerebral sulci are normal for age
- Both sylvian fissures appear normal
- Sella and parasellar region appear normal
- The 7th and 8th nerve complex appear normal on both sides
- The visualised major intracranial vessel display expected flow void signal

Impression
No significant abnormality detected

Please help explain what this results mean and if you have pointers on where to go for the stem cell treatment.

Look forward to your feedback.

Thank you.
Jumoke.

[Jumbug]

Thank you for the feedback. Really appreciate your clear explanation, helps with understanding the results alot better.

Will take your advice into consideration when talking with our doctors.

Many thanks once again.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi Jumoke!
The MRI is normal—which means that there is no lesion, ischemia, bleed or any abnormality detected. In children with normal MRI, the MRI should be repeated after a year and alternative diagnosis for symptoms which may have a genetic, neurological or metabolic origin should be looked for. Many slowly progressive neuro-degenerative diseases and autoimmune diseases affecting nerves show symptoms similar to cerebral palsy. Also, normal MRI is more likely if the cerebral palsy is the non-spastic type. Please discuss all this with your doctor before considering stem cell transplant. Hope this helps. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.