Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does My MRI Scan Test Result Indicate?
Question: I am 52 and just had a MRI scan done for SSHL (hearing Loss) it also indicated the I had mild leukoaralsus, do I need to see another doctor ?
Brief Answer:
Just a check up of vascular risk factors
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Leukoaraiosis is a term which is used for changes of the white matter of the brain which are not specific, meaning is not related to a specific disease. It is a common finding with age, the older the more likely to be noticed. It is influenced by factors which damage small blood vessels such high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking etc but can be found also in their absence as there are also genetic factors involved.
Whether you need to see another doctor....if you mean about the interpretation of the MRI images I woupd say no, they are usually not difficult to diagnose from a radiological point of view. I would say a screening for risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes is advisable with your primary physician in order to treat them if present to slow progression as much as possible (as I said there are genetic factors involved which mean it may evolve anyway over the years). It can be a scheduled visit not an emergent one.
How significant are they...they do not represent a threat in themselves, when they are mild such as your case there should be no symptoms, they have no relation to the hearing issue, have been found by coincidence. Only when advanced may manifest slowing of higher mental functions and movements. Also they are generally associated with a higher risk for stroke in the distant future. As I said though in your case they are only mild, so there is no reason for panic.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Just a check up of vascular risk factors
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Leukoaraiosis is a term which is used for changes of the white matter of the brain which are not specific, meaning is not related to a specific disease. It is a common finding with age, the older the more likely to be noticed. It is influenced by factors which damage small blood vessels such high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking etc but can be found also in their absence as there are also genetic factors involved.
Whether you need to see another doctor....if you mean about the interpretation of the MRI images I woupd say no, they are usually not difficult to diagnose from a radiological point of view. I would say a screening for risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes is advisable with your primary physician in order to treat them if present to slow progression as much as possible (as I said there are genetic factors involved which mean it may evolve anyway over the years). It can be a scheduled visit not an emergent one.
How significant are they...they do not represent a threat in themselves, when they are mild such as your case there should be no symptoms, they have no relation to the hearing issue, have been found by coincidence. Only when advanced may manifest slowing of higher mental functions and movements. Also they are generally associated with a higher risk for stroke in the distant future. As I said though in your case they are only mild, so there is no reason for panic.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I was just concerned because I've never smoked, do not have high blood pressure , diabetes and very active and in shape . The SSHL was a shock to me as I've not had any major health issues ever, so to see this in my MRI results scared me . Just wanted to make sure that I didn't need to see a Nero Doc.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Your preoccupation is perfectly understandable. It must be scary reading MRI reports and not being sure whether what is described requires urgent attention or is life threatening.
I do not believe there is any benefit in seeing a neurologist for now. Just keep on with the healthy lifestyle you seem to lead but try to pay close attention to checking for vascular risk factors regularly.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Your preoccupation is perfectly understandable. It must be scary reading MRI reports and not being sure whether what is described requires urgent attention or is life threatening.
I do not believe there is any benefit in seeing a neurologist for now. Just keep on with the healthy lifestyle you seem to lead but try to pay close attention to checking for vascular risk factors regularly.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
