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1281603 tn?1283798699

head MRI question

I am 54 years old, previously healthy.  I had an MRI to rule out MS, as I have had extreme fatigue, exercise intolerance and muscle pain for the last few months, to the point I have been unable to work. I have been suspecting chronic fatigue, but I have a brother with MS so the Dr wanted to rule that out. The MRI found "numerous punctate T2/FLAIR hyperintensities in the subcortical regions of both cerebral hemispheres. The inpression was that they are "most likely on the basis of chronic microvascular disease", and unlikely MS, as there are no features of demyelination. My GP didn't seem concerned and hasn't suggested any followup. Could microvascular disease be responsible for any of my symptoms, and is it a normal aging thing or an actual disease process that should be watched? Thankyou for your advise
6 Responses
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1083596 tn?1313394676
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Friend,
Yes you can return to work... It appears to be in the initial stages and hence neurology check up is a must....
In case the treating doctor is not attending you properly, then we can go for a second opinion.
Helpful - 0
1281603 tn?1283798699
"Blood supply defect is generally manifested at 54  years only." I don't understand. Does you mean it isn't a concern and appears at this age, or it is the beginning of a process and should be watched as the symptoms increase? I'm quite disabled right now and would like to know if there is a chance I can recover and return to work.
Helpful - 0
1083596 tn?1313394676
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Helen,
Blood supply defect is generally manifested at 54  years only.
But presently we need to wait and watch for the symptoms and then plan accordingly.
Helpful - 0
1281603 tn?1283798699
your colleague suggested that microvascular disease could be related to my fatigue and myalgia. Should we be looking elsewhere for the cause of these symptoms? Is this blood supply defect unusual at 54? I actually am quite debilitated and have been for months. I'd love to figure this out, one way or another.
Helpful - 0
1083596 tn?1313394676
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Helen,
My colleague had given you an answer in another forum.
The grey matter has got myelin sheath, which helps in faster transmisson of the signals.
In MS/ALS there occurs demyelination (hence called as demyelinating disorders) of the brain.
What you have specified is that there are no de-myelinating issues here.
Hence please don't think of MS / ALS.

The changes as per the MRI shows micro-vascular defect (due to the blood supply) which can be due to degeneration / etc.
I would suggest you to for wait and watch policy, just as your doctor has advised.

Feel free to discuss further.
Regards.
Helpful - 0
1281603 tn?1283798699
thankyou- I see you answered me on the other forum. I appreciate you giving me some direction
Helpful - 0

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