Question about MRI

[sfgmobile]

Hi
I'm a relatively healthy 39 year old. I recently went to my dr. about tinnitus and loss of hearing in one hear. He suggested an MRI to rule out acoustic neuroma. The MRI ruled that out, but uncovered other potential problem (s).

Here's what it says:
"There is no hydrocephalus. There are scattered white matter FLAIR hyperintensities in the posterior frontal and parietal lobes and the level of the lateral ventricles and the centrum semiovales. This white matter disease is unspecific. Most commonly, it is due to chronic small vessel ischemic change. Other causes of white matter disease such as MS are not excluded in this age group and clinical correlation is needed. The diffusion images do not show findings of acute ischemia. There are mild inflammatory changes at the inferior mastoids, left greater than right.

Impression: Mild nonspecific white matter disease. Please see above comments. Mild inflammatory disease at the mastoids. No acoustic neuroma."


Can anyone tell me what this means? I have an appointment with a neurologist this week, but I just received the report, so I'm nervous.

[Shellshack]

Your very welcome...anytime!  I hope you're feeling better and get some answers soon!!  Hang in there...okay : )!!

HUGS,
Shelley

[Fluffysmom]

I really don't think OperaMBA was incensed by your message.  The diatribe he spoke of is most likely about too many white matter lesions being written off as small vessel ischemic disease.

I can't speak for him, but I do know he is a funny guy that deals with much with a great sense of humor and is very kind and supportive to forum members.  Give him a chance.

Honestly, this is the most wonderful forum I've ever seen.  The people are so caring, supportive, and knowledgeable. I've been here for more than eight months, in the famous Limboland (undiagnosed), and have learned much and felt much caring and support; kept me from going nuts while my neurologists wrote off my lesions as small vessel ischemic disease, although I've been experiencing neurological symptoms.

Stick around, read some more posts and Health Pages; get the feel of the place and get to know the members.  You are very welcome here.  

Kathy

[sfgmobile]

I appreciate your response. I think my message incensed OperaMBA if he had to resist launching into a diatribe. I didn't mean to bog down the forum. At any rate, I'll figure things out. Thanks for reaching out.

[Shellshack]

Hello and welcome to this site!!  I don't think "Operamba" intended for his response to come across as unfriendly at all....if anything, this is one of the most friendly website/support groups out there : ).  Sorry you're having problems and have no clear answers yet as to why you're having problems...we call that 'limbo land'. : )  I am not sure about what your MRI means, but I do know as "opera' said, the health pages are really very imformative and can help you understand what all that means in your MRI.  Have you seen a nuerologist??  What doctor ordered the MRI??  When do you go for results???

Again, WELCOME, and I hope you find some support and answers here!!

Shelley : )

[sfgmobile]

Thanks for your response. I certainly didn't mean for my posting inexperience to set you off. Maybe I'm not thinking as clearly as I should be. It won't happen again. I'll look for friendlier forums if I have any other questions.

[OperaMBA]

The FLAIR hyperintensities are areas within your brain where you are showing some demyelination of the white matter.  

The lesions must not be big enough for a radiologist to call them lesions, but they certainly could be.

Please read the health pages on How MRI's show lesions (or something to that effect)...

[OperaMBA]

Before I launch off into a diatribe, you would be better served by reading the health pages in the upper right-hand corner of this forum...

Opera