MRI Results

[Maverick77sa]

Finally we have received the MRI Results of my 63 years old Mother. The Doctor's appointment is still far and I seek help in understanding the results. I really appreciate it as we are anxious.

History: 63 years old Female on psychiatric medication for the past 4 years (Zyprexa, Seroxat, Trilafon, Lexitonil and Cogentin). Medication was because she was found to be suffering from Paranoid Delusional Disorder. Her situation much improved with these medications. No history of seizures or unexplained headaches. About a month ago we noticed increased forgetfulness, for example she would forget what day of the week is it, or what time of the day it is. or even call me over the phone to ask me what time of day is it. or ask me a question that I already answered her earlier in the day or the day before.  The psychologist requested MRI for the brain to be sure what is the reason for this.

MRI Report:
Technique:
Sagittal 5mm slice thickness sections in T1 WIs.
Axial 5mm slice thickness sections in T1, T2 and FLAIR WIs.
Coronal 5mm slice thickness sections in T2 WIs.

Findings:
Bilateral cerebral subcortical bright signal intensity foci in T2WIs are seen near the grey/white matter interface
No evident intra or extra axial fresh blood signal intensities or blood by products.
No evident areas of restricted diffusion in diffusion weighted imaging
No evident ventriculomegaly
Normal MRI appearance of the corpus callosum, thalami, basal ganglia, brain stem and both cerebellar hemispheres
Prominent cortical sulci and sylvian fissures
Normal appearance of the cranio cervical junction

Opinion:
Bilateral non specific cerebral subcortical bright signal intensity foci near the grey/white matter interface? Vasculitis? Old Ischemic foci.

[Aireez]

I've suffered from migraines for years, I've also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but everything has gotten worse over the last little bit. I keep a headache, especially if I do any kind of moving around. Recently, I've also had more frequent problems with keeping my balance, blurred vision, and feeling as though "something is in my throat" making it not really hard, but uncomfortable to swallow. I had an MRI in April, my doctor never said anything so I thought nothing of it. Things have gotten worse over the last month or so and I found out that the report recommended that I see a Neurosurgeon. The report said "increased signal on T1 and T2 weighted images. Most likely a hemangioma. There is also mild cerebellar tonsillar ectopia of approx. 8.5 millimeters." I also have mild disc degenerative disease in my neck and back, along with bulged discs between C4-5,C5-6,C6-7. (I've been getting injections for 2 1/2-3 years from pain management, but doesn't help for more than 2-3 weeks at a time.) No one has explained anything to me so I'm scared, plus I'm really upset that my doctor didn't say anything. Can you please explain these results to me???

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
There is nothing much the doctors can do presently.
The damage is already done and the treatment is aimed at reducing the progress of the damage and nothing else.
Main part will be played by physiotherapist / occupational rehab specialist, as she needs someone who would keep on helping her, do the various activities of daily living.
Beside this, frequent speech / discussion would be helpful (if someone does with her).
I hope you understood my concern.
Regards...
Please discuss, if things are still unclear.

[Maverick77sa]

in addition to what I wrote above, it seems that my mother is also confusing the months, she thinks we are in late October as opposed to mid September.