Concerns Over Potential MRI Misdiagnosis
At the age of 39, I underwent an MRI roughly 20 months ago as part of an endocrinology assessment. The results indicated everything was normal apart from an incidental observation of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in the corona radiata, which were interpreted as being caused by migraines. However, it is important to note that I do not experience migraines. Upon reviewing the images, the corona radiata appears normal, but there is an approximately 5mm T1-weighted ovoid area that looks like a black hole. This area corresponds with the ventricle and shows hyperintensity on T2/FLAIR images within the anterior corpus callosum, which could easily be mistaken for the corona radiata in axial views. Recently, I had a non-contrast CT scan due to concerns regarding a potential transient ischemic attack (TIA). This report was mainly unremarkable, save for mentioning "periventricular hypodensities." Additionally, for several months, I've been experiencing episodes lasting over six hours characterized by feelings of floppiness, coordination issues, cognitive fog, and slight slurring of speech. Although the emergency department has directed me to a TIA clinic, I have no history of diabetes, do not smoke, have no chronic high blood pressure, and have had normal results from carotid Doppler tests. Thus, I remain unconvinced that the underlying issue is vascular in nature, especially since my heart health appears stable and I feel physically fine during these episodes—it's primarily my coordination that is compromised. I plan to share the images in the comments section. However, I am left wondering: is it possible that the MRI results were misinterpreted? If that’s the case, what steps should I take next? It typically takes two weeks to get an appointment with my general practitioner, and on previous occasions where I visited the emergency department with symptoms, they seemed to resolve while I was waiting.
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 11:40:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to have concerns about potential misinterpretations of your MRI results, especially given your current symptoms. The description of your episodes and the findings on your imaging raise important considerations that need further exploration.
Main Points:
- Your MRI showed incidental white matter hyperintensities, which can be common and sometimes misattributed without clear correlation to migraines if you don't experience those headaches.
- The recent TIA symptoms you described, along with your imaging results, suggest a need to investigate potential non-vascular causes for your coordination issues and cognitive fog.
Explanation:
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are often found in brain scans, particularly in individuals as they age; they can also be associated with various conditions beyond migraines, such as small vessel disease or other metabolic issues. The symptoms you’re experiencing, including floppiness and coordination difficulties, could stem from several potential sources, including neurological conditions that may not be related to vascular causes.
The “black hole” you noted could represent a different pathology than what was initially interpreted in your MRI, especially if you believe it corresponds to the anterior corpus callosum rather than the corona radiata. It’s crucial to address this with clear focus given the implications.
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your episodes, including their duration, triggers, and any accompanying symptoms. This can provide context for your healthcare providers.
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Follow Up on Imaging: Request to have your MRI images reviewed by a neurologist or a radiologist with expertise in neurology, especially focusing on those specific areas of concern. Ask for a second opinion regarding the "black hole" areas.
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Neurology Consultation: If possible, seek a direct neurological evaluation sooner than your general practitioner appointment. Focus on discussing your specific brain imaging findings and your symptoms to understand the potential causes better.
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Explore Other Conditions: Consider whether non-vascular causes (like metabolic or autoimmune disorders) could explain your symptoms. Testing for such conditions might provide additional insight.
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Stay Informed and Patient-Centered: Ensure your healthcare providers understand your concerns, questions about the imaging, and the importance of the coordination issues you’re experiencing.
While navigating through these medical evaluations can feel overwhelming, advocating for yourself and seeking clarity on these imaging results is essential. You deserve answers that help manage your health effectively. Let me know if you need further guidance.
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