Understanding Past MRI Brain Results
M32, 6'3", 225 pounds. No ongoing medications or health concerns. While perusing some of my old medical documents, I stumbled upon a CT scan performed 15 years ago. It was prompted by the persistent headaches I experienced following a concussion. This scan was later supplemented with an MRI. Currently, I have no symptoms and had completely pushed this memory aside (it was back in high school) until I came across these records. Regrettably, I do not have any images, but I have included the transcription from my doctor regarding the MRI findings below: **COMPARISON:** Head CT **TECHNIQUE:** A standard brain MRI was conducted, consisting of sagittal T1, axial T2, FLAIR, diffusion-weighted images, and axial T1 before and after the administration of gadolinium, including coronal T1 post-gadolinium. A total of 19 cc of MultiHance was administered intravenously. **FINDINGS:** As indicated in the previous CT scan of the head, there is a structure exhibiting fat signal intensity extending along the left tentorium cerebelli. It follows a fat signal pattern in all pulse sequences and does not exhibit any significant mass effect on the adjacent left cerebellar hemisphere. This structure runs along the underside of the tentorium, adjacent to the left posterolateral area of the quadrigeminal cistern, with the neighboring colliculi appearing normal. No focal area shows restricted diffusion, and there are no signs of a recent stroke or any intracranial bleeding. Additionally, there are no abnormal fluid collections inside or outside the brain. There is no evidence of hydrocephalus or any midline shift. The cervical medullary junction appears normal, and the corpus callosum is intact. No air-fluid levels are detected in the paranasal sinuses. **IMPRESSIONS:** There is a T1 hyperintense structure along the underside of the left tentorium cerebelli. This structure follows the fat signal on all pulse sequences and shows no significant mass effect, most likely indicating the presence of an intracranial lipoma. A ruptured dermoid could also be considered. No restricted diffusion suggests the absence of an epidermoid. When compared with the previous CT scan of the head, the appearance seems unchanged. There are no indications of recent infarcts, intracranial hemorrhages, or any masses within the cranial cavity. Though I currently experience no symptoms, I find myself curious about whether the presence of this mass in my brain merits further evaluation, especially since I don't believe I had any follow-up after this MRI.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 11:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned after reviewing past medical records, especially when they involve findings related to your brain. The good news is that your MRI results indicate a stable condition that appears non-threatening. Let's break down your findings, address your concerns, and discuss the next steps you might consider.
Summary of MRI Findings
- Intracranial Lipoma: The MRI shows a structure likely identified as an intracranial lipoma, which is typically benign and does not require treatment unless it causes symptoms.
- No Acute Issues: There are no signs of stroke, bleeding, or other abnormalities, indicating your brain's health is stable.
- Stable Condition: The findings have not changed since your previous CT scan, which is reassuring.
Explanation
- Intracranial Lipoma: This is a benign fatty tumor that usually needs no intervention, especially if asymptomatic, which you currently are. These lipomas are often found incidentally and can be monitored, but they typically do not pose any health risks.
- No Symptoms: Since you haven't experienced any headaches or other neurological symptoms recently, this supports the likelihood that the lipoma isn't affecting your health.
Next Steps You Might Consider
- Monitor Symptoms: Continue to be attentive to any new symptoms that may arise, such as headaches, dizziness, or changes in vision.
- Follow-Up Discussion: If you have lingering concerns about the MRI results or if you want clarification about the lipoma, consider discussing this with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized insights based on your medical history.
- Keep Records: Maintain a file of your medical records and any imaging reports for future reference or discussions with healthcare professionals, especially if your symptoms change.
While it can be unsettling to discover previous findings, remember that the stability of your condition is a positive sign. If any new health concerns arise, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
Related Questions
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Identifying a Mysterious Brown Circle on My Scalp
Age: 21 Gender: Female Height: 5'4" Weight: 175 lbs Ethnicity: White (Scottish/Irish) Location: California Current Medication: Testosterone injection administered subcutaneously in the thigh While I was having my hair dyed blue, my girlfriend noticed a perfectly circular brown mark on my scalp. It resembles a circle that appears to have been made with a brown marker. The size of the ring is similar to my thumb’s tip and contrasts sharply with the lighter shade of my scalp. There is no evidence of hair thinning or loss around this circle; we only discovered it because we were parting my hair. I’m curious if this could be connected to the brain fog or headaches I’ve been experiencing lately. I looked online, and while ringworm was suggested, it doesn’t match my symptoms since there are no bald patches or flaky skin. I’m open to answering any additional questions to help clarify this situation, as it's causing me some concern.
Should I Seek Medical Attention for a Possible Spinal Injury?
Greetings! I’m a 20-year-old male, and while I’m not overly anxious about my situation, I've been experiencing enough discomfort to consider it. Three days prior, I went snowboarding and attempted to navigate a box, which is essentially a flat metal structure with a slight ramp at the end. Unfortunately, I lost my balance close to the end of the box and landed squarely on my backside. This caused my back and head to make hard contact with the ground. At first, I didn’t perceive much pain in my back or head; instead, the primary source of pain seemed to be my rear, which felt as if it had developed a noticeable lump. However, I dismissed it at the time. The following day, the soreness persisted, alongside generalized discomfort throughout my upper body. Every time I coughed, I felt pain that radiated from my neck down to my abdomen, which was tender to the touch. I asked my girlfriend to check for any visible injuries, and although my butt showed no bruising, I did notice around five bruises along my spine. I’m questioning whether I should consult a physician. I usually avoid going to the doctor unless absolutely necessary, having only visited twice in the last four years (excluding vaccinations during my teenage years). I tend to prefer toughing things out to save on medical expenses, but if the situation warrants it, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek help as I did last year for an ear infection. What do you think – should I consider getting checked out?
Seeking Insight on Abnormal Neuroimaging Results
A 42-year-old female, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 194 pounds, has been grappling with cognitive challenges for over three years. She has a clinical history that includes a diagnosis of Bipolar II disorder coupled with generalized anxiety, which she manages effectively through a regimen of an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, and medications for anxiety. Currently, she is under the care of her fifth neurologist in the Boston region. An FDG-PET scan revealed a significant decline in metabolic functions, showing a 30-40% reduction within the left parietal lobe and a 20% decrease in both mesial temporal lobes. As part of her evaluation, a lumbar puncture was performed to assess amyloid and tau protein levels, with results coming back negative. Although a radiologist recommended pursuing an amyloid PET scan to gain further insights, her neurologist has declined this option. Despite the neurologist's suggestion that her indications might fit into the Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) category, she remains unconvinced and believes there must be an identifiable underlying cause for her symptoms and the irregularities observed in her scans. She is seeking advice on the next steps to take in pursuing a clearer diagnosis or understanding of her condition.