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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!