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White spots on brain

Tue, 08/03/2010 - 04:19

My MRI showed I have lots of little white spots on my brain - does anyone know what this could be?

 - I do have epilespy and have had it on and off since a child. 

Thanks

Comments

Re: White spots on brain

Submitted by horselover on Tue, 2010-08-03 - 04:27
PS im in my early 20s

Re: White spots on brain

Submitted by snowwoman on Tue, 2010-08-03 - 22:35

It depends. I think when you say 'white' spots, what you mean is it is 'brighter' than the rest of the brain? I.e., it 'lights up' kinda deal?

The MRI has multiple sequencing methods, for lack of a better term.

On T2-weighted sequencing, anything with water/fluid will show up brighter than the surroundings.  On a T1-weighted, it's stuff like fat that shows up brighter.

On FLAIR sequencing, bright spots can be indicative of tissues that 'more intense' such as plaques.

There are other sequences, by the way.

So basically, ONLY your doc can interpret this for you. Different slicing and different sequencing will mean different things.

It depends. I think when you say 'white' spots, what you mean is it is 'brighter' than the rest of the brain? I.e., it 'lights up' kinda deal?

The MRI has multiple sequencing methods, for lack of a better term.

On T2-weighted sequencing, anything with water/fluid will show up brighter than the surroundings.  On a T1-weighted, it's stuff like fat that shows up brighter.

On FLAIR sequencing, bright spots can be indicative of tissues that 'more intense' such as plaques.

There are other sequences, by the way.

So basically, ONLY your doc can interpret this for you. Different slicing and different sequencing will mean different things.

Re: White spots on brain

Submitted by tonialpha on Wed, 2010-08-04 - 10:52

That is a great explanation!

  I have a friend who was in a traffic accident and has asked the same question about the spots.  The Radiologist and or doctor  has to explain the reason of the spots.  It is generally nothing to worry about unless other tests are needed to confirm symptoms.

I used to be a Neurodiagnostic Technician. 

Thank you

That is a great explanation!

  I have a friend who was in a traffic accident and has asked the same question about the spots.  The Radiologist and or doctor  has to explain the reason of the spots.  It is generally nothing to worry about unless other tests are needed to confirm symptoms.

I used to be a Neurodiagnostic Technician. 

Thank you

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