HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does "age Related White Matter Disease" Mean?

default
Posted on Tue, 17 Feb 2015
Question: I recently had an MRI for headaches, nausea, dizziness, memory loss. I am 65 years old the test indicated age related white matter disease, chronic hypertension, chronic microvascluar ischemia and chronic migraine headaches. Can you explain these results?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geldon Fejzo (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This MRI finding is very common at your age and you should consider it within normal limits.

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I have been through your question and understand your concern.

I think the MRI result was white matter disease otherwise known as chronic microvascular ischemia. These two are synonyms. This MRI finding is very common at your age and you should consider it within normal limits.

This condition is commonly associated with high blood pressure also known as chronic hypertension, but you can not see this in the MRI. It is just assumed that chronic hypertension is one of the causes of white matter disease.

The other cause of white matter disease can be chronic migraine headache. Migraine is a neurological condition where dilating and narrowing vessels causes headaches. These vascular changes are thought to cause white matter disease as well.

Basically, there is nothing to worry with these MRI findings. You should check your blood pressure and take treatment for your headache IF your GP or a Neurologist thinks it is migraine.

Hope this helps, please feel free to follow-up.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Geldon Fejzo

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 337 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does "age Related White Matter Disease" Mean?

Brief Answer: This MRI finding is very common at your age and you should consider it within normal limits. Detailed Answer: Hello. I have been through your question and understand your concern. I think the MRI result was white matter disease otherwise known as chronic microvascular ischemia. These two are synonyms. This MRI finding is very common at your age and you should consider it within normal limits. This condition is commonly associated with high blood pressure also known as chronic hypertension, but you can not see this in the MRI. It is just assumed that chronic hypertension is one of the causes of white matter disease. The other cause of white matter disease can be chronic migraine headache. Migraine is a neurological condition where dilating and narrowing vessels causes headaches. These vascular changes are thought to cause white matter disease as well. Basically, there is nothing to worry with these MRI findings. You should check your blood pressure and take treatment for your headache IF your GP or a Neurologist thinks it is migraine. Hope this helps, please feel free to follow-up.