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What Does MRI Showing White Spots In Brain Indicate?
Question: Hello Doctor,
I am having burning sensation in the back of the head and persistarnt heavyness in head and sometimes left part of head feels numb including left ear. This headche started after talking antibiotic levofloxin last month. Currently doc is treating my headache as tesnion headache and he doesnt agree if i say relation with antibiotic. Yest he sent me to do MRI and report says some white spots are seen in brain . What these white spots are and why they occur ? Is it danger to life ? how tobtreat them ? any treatment available ?
I am having burning sensation in the back of the head and persistarnt heavyness in head and sometimes left part of head feels numb including left ear. This headche started after talking antibiotic levofloxin last month. Currently doc is treating my headache as tesnion headache and he doesnt agree if i say relation with antibiotic. Yest he sent me to do MRI and report says some white spots are seen in brain . What these white spots are and why they occur ? Is it danger to life ? how tobtreat them ? any treatment available ?
Brief Answer:
Levofloxacin can cause neuropathy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for using HCM.
Levofloxacin use is known as a possible cause of peripheral neuropathy.
Numbness and burning sensation in head if is located inside skin and has a nerve supply distribution pattern, could be caused by peripheral neuropathy.
About white spots found in brain MRI, it's difficult to have a correct opinion just with such description. If you have the possibility to upload the MRI report, it is easier for me to have a correct opinion.
Possible causes of brain white spots on MRI include: vascular and micro vascular damage (severe migraine eg.), multiple sclerosis, but this is just a hypothesis.
As I said before, the MRI report needs to be evaluated and your concerns about headache with burning and numbness should be evaluated by a Neurologist, to evaluate possible nerve damage (neuropathy).
In my opinion, this type of headache is not related to white spots on brain MRI.
The treatment of your symptoms should be clear after these two different concerns are evaluated further and correctly.
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further clarifications and questions.
Wishing you good health.
Levofloxacin can cause neuropathy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for using HCM.
Levofloxacin use is known as a possible cause of peripheral neuropathy.
Numbness and burning sensation in head if is located inside skin and has a nerve supply distribution pattern, could be caused by peripheral neuropathy.
About white spots found in brain MRI, it's difficult to have a correct opinion just with such description. If you have the possibility to upload the MRI report, it is easier for me to have a correct opinion.
Possible causes of brain white spots on MRI include: vascular and micro vascular damage (severe migraine eg.), multiple sclerosis, but this is just a hypothesis.
As I said before, the MRI report needs to be evaluated and your concerns about headache with burning and numbness should be evaluated by a Neurologist, to evaluate possible nerve damage (neuropathy).
In my opinion, this type of headache is not related to white spots on brain MRI.
The treatment of your symptoms should be clear after these two different concerns are evaluated further and correctly.
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further clarifications and questions.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Hello Doctor,
Yes I have attached MRI result . unfortunately this is in German and I have also attatched the text file with result in english translation.
Actual Symptoms: A tingling sensation and burning sensation at the back of the head mostly on the left and sometimes right also...I feel like skin of head is irritating or feeling like skin is seperated. Sometimes my head will feel numb in the left sides but not always.
So even i feel it is due to levofloxicin , actually I didnt tolerate the tablet and i stopped taking after the second dose due to muscle pain and weekness.
My main question is , Is there a relation between these while spots observed in MRI and my pain and numbenss and heaviness in head ?
My doctor checked for Blood pressure and its 80 : 130 and doctors says its absolutely normal. and he also examined the blood flow from vessels in neck and he says no issue with blood flow also.
Yes I have attached MRI result . unfortunately this is in German and I have also attatched the text file with result in english translation.
Actual Symptoms: A tingling sensation and burning sensation at the back of the head mostly on the left and sometimes right also...I feel like skin of head is irritating or feeling like skin is seperated. Sometimes my head will feel numb in the left sides but not always.
So even i feel it is due to levofloxicin , actually I didnt tolerate the tablet and i stopped taking after the second dose due to muscle pain and weekness.
My main question is , Is there a relation between these while spots observed in MRI and my pain and numbenss and heaviness in head ?
My doctor checked for Blood pressure and its 80 : 130 and doctors says its absolutely normal. and he also examined the blood flow from vessels in neck and he says no issue with blood flow also.
Brief Answer:
MRI findings and your symptoms more probably not related.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking back XXXXXXX
In my opinion, your symptoms are related more to peripheral neuropathy than MRI findings of your brain.
I need to clarify one thing about MRI report translated: point 3 says NO Evidence of mass in the course of nerves mentioned, right?
I agree with the Doctor's opinion about imaging follow up, in addition I would recommend if any new neurologic concerns as vision problems or spreading of numbness/weakness in any extremity needs print evaluation of probable Multiple sclerosis ( new MRI and spinal tap for oligoclonal bands in such scenario ).
Since hypertension is excluded, I suggest a vitamin B6, B12 and homocysteine levels measured as a possible cause of both neuropathy and white spots on MRI.
Hope I helped you. Best regards.
MRI findings and your symptoms more probably not related.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking back XXXXXXX
In my opinion, your symptoms are related more to peripheral neuropathy than MRI findings of your brain.
I need to clarify one thing about MRI report translated: point 3 says NO Evidence of mass in the course of nerves mentioned, right?
I agree with the Doctor's opinion about imaging follow up, in addition I would recommend if any new neurologic concerns as vision problems or spreading of numbness/weakness in any extremity needs print evaluation of probable Multiple sclerosis ( new MRI and spinal tap for oligoclonal bands in such scenario ).
Since hypertension is excluded, I suggest a vitamin B6, B12 and homocysteine levels measured as a possible cause of both neuropathy and white spots on MRI.
Hope I helped you. Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hello Doc , Yes you are right third point means No evidenve and also my treating doctor said report is normal and also radiologist said same as these white spots are possible with some individuals. and he suggested me for anti depressants and head massage for muscle relief of head and neck. and regarding vitamins B . Is it ok if i take vit B suppliment ? becuase my treating doc doesnt belive in vitamins and without his lettee i cant get blood tested. 1) So is it safe to take suppliment for few days and see ? 2)Any pathological relation with white spots ? means does they indicate some infection in brain ? 3) and about MRI after seeing white spots radiologist said to confirm its past lession or some dieases he said he has to do again imaging for 10mins(MRI) with IV contrast given and he gave IV and saw the lessions again and confirmed lessions are not enlarging so he said its not due to any diaeases and he recommoneded to chech after 2 years. So as you said MS (multiple seclersis) could be cause then do you feel radiologist right if its due to MS then lessions will enlarge after giving IV ?
Brief Answer:
Most probably it is not Multiple sclerosis.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
If white spots on MRI were due to MS (multiple sclerosis), then there should be contrast enhancement at least of some of the white spots.
Brain infection usually does not cause this scattered pattern of MRI findings, so I believe it is not infection either.
It is okay for you to take a period of time vitamin B supplements and let's see how it is going.
I suggest a period of treatment about your symptoms with Gabapentin, but since it is a prescription drug, you should discuss with your treating Doctor about its use.
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions or clarifications.
Most probably it is not Multiple sclerosis.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
If white spots on MRI were due to MS (multiple sclerosis), then there should be contrast enhancement at least of some of the white spots.
Brain infection usually does not cause this scattered pattern of MRI findings, so I believe it is not infection either.
It is okay for you to take a period of time vitamin B supplements and let's see how it is going.
I suggest a period of treatment about your symptoms with Gabapentin, but since it is a prescription drug, you should discuss with your treating Doctor about its use.
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions or clarifications.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hello Doctor, Thank you for your detailed answer. Ok then now i will start vitamin supliment vit B complex with folic acid : I have attached the pic and 1) please let me know if its fine to take this. and dosage is 1 tablet per day ? and regarding gabapentin i will dicuss with my doctor in the next appointment . 2) I have one more query whatever small white spots found MRI are detectable in only MRI or are they also seen in CT scan ? Radiolist mentioned as they look like old spots (lessions) which i might be having from childhood .
Brief Answer:
You can take supplement one per day.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
Vitamin B supplement together with folic acid is used one per day.
You can use it at least one month to see the results.
If the white spots on MRI are detectable too on CT scan, it depends on spots size, if they are too small (2-3 mm), they are not detectable on CT.
Hope I helped you understand better your condition. If you have further clarifications, feel free to discuss, if not, you can close the conversation and rate the answer.
You can take supplement one per day.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
Vitamin B supplement together with folic acid is used one per day.
You can use it at least one month to see the results.
If the white spots on MRI are detectable too on CT scan, it depends on spots size, if they are too small (2-3 mm), they are not detectable on CT.
Hope I helped you understand better your condition. If you have further clarifications, feel free to discuss, if not, you can close the conversation and rate the answer.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Hello Doctor , Thank you so much for the answers and yes are very helpul but I want to discuss the results or improvements with you may be after week so is it ok to keep this discussion open becuase opening new question for follow up is difficult. last one query i.e any natural treatment for pheripheral neuropathy ? I mean anything from your experince for resolving this issue. like any food or excersise or something?
Brief Answer:
Lifestyle changes help.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXXX
Lifestyle changes such avoiding excess alcohol use, quitting smoking, having healthy meals ( a lot of fresh fruits), exercises, help improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
About continuing conversation, it is okay with me if you live it open, or if you close the conversation, you can ask me directly.
Just have to find my profile on HCM and you can ask me a question directly, if you like.
Best regards. Wishing you good health.
Lifestyle changes help.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXXX
Lifestyle changes such avoiding excess alcohol use, quitting smoking, having healthy meals ( a lot of fresh fruits), exercises, help improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
About continuing conversation, it is okay with me if you live it open, or if you close the conversation, you can ask me directly.
Just have to find my profile on HCM and you can ask me a question directly, if you like.
Best regards. Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hello Doctor, Sure and as per your suggestion i would like to ask one last query i.e i am starting vit b complex tablet but my treating doc has pescribed me Amitriptylinoxid 2 H2O , an antidepressant (he suspects muscle contrast in neck and head may be due to tenstion or stress and he said we will try antidepressant for 4 weeks and see). So my question is . is it fine to take vit b complex along with Amitriptylinoxid 2 ? Is there any drug interaction ? or problem in using both ? As i mentioned i didnt tolerate tablet levofloxic and i am worried about talking medicines now so . May be if its fine i can take vit b in the mid day and antidepressant i am talking at night
Brief Answer:
It is okay to take both of them.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
There are no interactions known between Amytriptiline and vitamin B complex, so you can use them both.
I agree with your Doctor, in some cases antidepressants are used to treat nerve issues along the vertebral column.
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic, so its uses, interactions or side effects are different from antidepressants.
Hope I helped you. Wishing you good health.
It is okay to take both of them.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
There are no interactions known between Amytriptiline and vitamin B complex, so you can use them both.
I agree with your Doctor, in some cases antidepressants are used to treat nerve issues along the vertebral column.
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic, so its uses, interactions or side effects are different from antidepressants.
Hope I helped you. Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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