Is my new MRI report something to be concerned about?

[brainwilson]

Hi. I have been dealing with brain fog, memory loss, nerve and muscle pain and discomfort, ear ringing, muscle twitching, throbbing headaches, extreme fatigue, breathing problems, and other issues since October of 2020. I have seen doctors all year, but nobody has given a proper diagnosis yet. I am still not sure of the cause, but only two things seem like a probable culprit; either COVID, which I tested negative for later on, in an antibody test, or a bad reaction to a psychiatric medication I attempted to go back on, after going off it some months prior.

I had 2 MRIs done this year, one in February, which was essentially normal, save for saying I had a partially empty sella turcica, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The second one, done last week, was essentially the same, but now included the finding of "Scattered FLAIR hyperintensities nonspecific but most commonly related to chronic microvascular changes".

This worried me greatly. My neurologist called me to go over the report, and said I shouldn't be worried about it, as it could mean simple metabolic changes in the brain, and not lesions/damage, or something worse. Is he correct in that assumption?

Where I live, only has a handful of neurologists, and the one I saw before this was dismissive and condescending. I would like to get a second opinion, but does anybody here have any advice? The new finding of hyperintensities worries me a lot. Is it possible they were there in February, and simply not mentioned in the report? Can hyperintensities like mine go away? Is it a sign of damage, or something even worse?

I hope this is an acceptable thing to ask in this forum, I've been having a very depressing and stressful year because of these chronic problems.

[Leaf100]

Hi BW,If you live inthe UK your best bet is to call Headway and ask who they suggest and how to get referred. These days I don't think you need to be local for a second opinion because the test results are online these days, and many appointments are still being done on zoom.

You may also want to ask what other kind of specialists may be of help and arrange to see them as well.

Some diagnosing is done by symptoms, not just by test results.

It is not unusual, unfortunately, for people to find unhelpful doctors. Neuroligists for example only tend to look at specific things. They sometimes miss things. Also, some docs get very little training in brain related conditions.

Headway's number is on the website here. Do give them a call.

Keep us posted, and keep looking for answers. Best wishes,

Leaf

[Painny]

Hi brainwilson

So sorry for what you are going through. You are definitely on a right track by seeking advice medically.

In my case the MRI revealed partial sella syndrome. I was told not to worry 😳, of course I’m worried, the pressure in my head is so bad that I constantly feel it’s about to implode. I have done a total of 3 head MRI one of which did not even identify the defect between my spinal cord and the base of the brain.

For now I have left it as it is but sob a lot alone in bed as the pain is intolerable.

Hope all goes well for you 🥀