mri results/severe headaches/vascular mass

MRI results confusing. 52 yrs. old.haveing headackes severe and sleeplessness vision problems and balance issues.Radiology report says;small focus of abnormalT2-weighted hyperintensity within medulla.punctate and patchy abnormal T2-weighted hyperintensities bilaterally within the periventricular deep white matter and deep white matter of the corona radiata.Also says enhancing tubular mass in right mid periventricular subcortical and deep white matter compatible a vascular malformation.2.5x.3x2.6 no evidence of recent hemorrhage.probable mild changes of ischemic gliosis in the supratentorial deep white matter and probable small infarct within the mid/anterior medulla.we are very scared me and my wife .we have a 4 yr. old daughter. no questions where answered yet and an appt. with a local nuerologyst has been made but is a week away and we need answers now.what does this mean in plain english and what can we or should we do about it.we have been told by others an array of things and they are all bad. from anorism to brain cancer. the stress is about to cause a heartattack.please email A.S.A.P. thank you

[Quixotic1]

I hope I can help, but I doubt it.  This is not my area of expertise.

First there is NOTHING in the report that suggests a tumor or cancer.

The most worrysome thing is the deep mass of what looks like tangled blood vessels (arteries and veins together) that look like they could be an Arterio-Venous Malformation.  This is a place where the veins and arteries have made an accidental connection. It usually develops in the baby's brain long before birth.   A low-pressure system  (the veins) connecting to the high pressure (arteries) system.   This can cause bleeding into the brain.   That doesn't mean it will or has.  It also can cause headaches.   The MRI states that there is no evidence of a recent bleed.  The report does not describe an area of an actual aneurysm.

There are other small areas that "look like" areas where there may have been tiny strokes.  AVM's can cause small strokes by putting pressure on other areas in the brain.  And there is one small area of apparent scarring (the "gliosis").

I hope this has not added to your anxiety.  I would contact your doctor - whoever ordered the MRI and ask whether your husband should be on any medications.  You also might call and see if you should have a neurosurgery consult as, I believe that is the specialty that treats these both surgericall and non-surgically.

I don't know the implications of the AV Malformation or what could/should be done about yours, if that is what it is.

Here is a link for more information:

http://brainavm.oci.utoronto.ca/malformations/content/B_AVM.htm

I hope this helps and does not add to your worry.  Sometimes knowing a little can be of a little help.

Best wishes, Quix