White Matter Disease?? Please help me with answer!

[Nana0409]

I recently had MRI with ENT physician.  He said everything was good with my MRI.  But results read:  There are multi focal foci of abnormal signal within the periventricular and deep white matter of both hemispheres, most consistent with chronic ischemic small vessell disease.  Is this normal or do I need to go to specialist?  It is worrying me to the point of being sick (headaches.....).  

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I understand your concern.  The MRI findings may indeed be a sign of more serious problems, most notably vascular problems in the brain.  Chronic ischemic small vessel disease means that there is something obstructing the small blood vessels supplying blood to your brain.  This could be due to most commonly, atherosclerosis, which is the build up of plaques inside the blood vessels causing obstruction to blood flow.  Chronic hypertension may likewise cause these findings.  I suggest you have a consult with a neurologist to have you formally evaluated, and that proper interventions can be made.  Regards and God bless.

[Nana0409]

Thanks so much for your advice. I visited my doctor (who I have been to for over 20 years) yesterday for a normal high blood pressure checkup.  My bp was 171/82.  It normally runs about 135/70's.  I think I have just worried so much over my MRI and now the left side of my face and left side of my head is tingling like it does when my foot goes to sleep for the past 2 days.  She did not seem concerned.  She feels I just need to get my blood pressure within normal range.  I feel I do need to see neurologist.  I am not a complainer so I do not think she sees my concern.   Nana0409