multiple foci of abnormal Flair signal seen in subcortical/deep white matter

[Nanaman59]

results of MRI say multiple foci of abnormal Flair signal seen in subcortical/ deep white matter

[supermum_ms]

Unfortunately your additional information of being hospitalised after having a seizure, and your resulting visual, speech etc issues wouldn't typically match 'normal' ischaemic white matter lesions!

There must be a lot more additional information on your MRI, and from your neurological assessment, cognitive assessment and other related test results IF the hospital dr's have diagnosed you of having had a small stroke.  

Tran's ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini stroke if that is what your dr's are calling it can mimic other medical conditions...

"Suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a common diagnostic challenge for physicians in neurology, stroke, general medicine and primary care. It is essential to identify TIAs promptly because of the very high early risk of ischaemic stroke, requiring urgent investigation and preventive treatment.

On the other hand, it is also important to identify TIA ‘mimics’, to avoid unnecessary and expensive investigations, incorrect diagnostic labelling and inappropriate long-term prevention treatment.

Although the pathophysiology of ischaemic stroke and TIA is identical, and both require rapid and accurate diagnosis, the differential diagnosis differs for TIA owing to the transience of symptoms. For TIA the diagnostic challenge is greater, and the ‘mimic’ rate higher (and more varied), because there is no definitive diagnostic test. TIA heralds a high risk of early ischaemic stroke, and in many cases the stroke can be prevented if the cause is identified,"

http://pn.bmj.com/content/14/1/23

It's understandable that your scared but make no mistakes in wanting a different answer than what your getting from your dr's, small strokes and seizures are both serious and affect your brain activity. The causes and effects they have on your brain health are different, strokes can look like seizures and seizure can look like strokes but a stroke occurs due to a disruption of blood circulation in the brain, a seizure occurs due to a surge of electrical activity in the brain....neither are 'normal' so it's definitely in your best interest to believe your dr's and focus on what ever they recommend to recover BUT if you are doubtful, then i would highly recommend you seek a second opinion with a neurologist who specialises in strokes!

Look after your self, God bless you too and i hope this helps you in some small way.....JJ

[Nanaman59]

Thank you so much .I do have an upcoming appt with a Dr that specializes in strokes .God bless you for the info you have given me . I pray all is well in your life .

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome,

Your question has landed in the MS community which may or may not of been your intention....the most common locations for hyperintensities are the subcortical and periventricular white matter and on its own would not suggestive of a neurological condition like MS.

I would assume since the location of the foci found on your MRI is 'subcortical' which is a very common location for ischaemic white matter lesions and are more commonly related to a micro vascular causation, depending on your age and dx medical history etc, it's highly possible what was found on your MRI is within normal limits.

Hope that helps.....JJ

[Nanaman59]

Thank you ! I saw my Dr yesterday to discuss . I'm 59 and recently had a 'bad seizure' in Church which led to tests . My Dr said they were small strokes in my brain . He also said I could have early onset of Dementia . I like your answer better ! More tests will be done because after the episode that put me in the hospital I haven't been the same . My vision and speech is impaired w sharp sudden pain in my head behind my eyes and on small areas of my forehead that go as quick as they come . I'm scared but I believe you might be right !! Once again , thank you and God bless you !