Help w/ MRI, white matter, next steps, etc...
 

(Hi -- I am new to this forum and originally posted this in the General Health forum, but it was suggested by a user that I post it in this forum since many of you are familiar w/ MRIs and etc.)

I am a 45yr old male, diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2006 and treated w thyroidectomy and RAI. I have been active and healthy (great cholesterol, no hypertension, very athletic, etc... and no history of headaches).

The last two months, however, I have had constant, persistent headaches (more acute when I move my head, and all the pain localized to my left temple); intermittent dizziness; and daily ringing/roaring in my ears.

I had a MRI w/ and w/o contrast last Thursday, and do not entirely understand the results. I'm clear that there is no mass/tumor, but unclear about white matter hyperintensities ... can anyone help elucidate?

The MRI says:

"There is mild amorphous and hazy deep and periventricular cerebral white matter T2 hyperintensity in the posterior cerebral hemispheres bilaterally, mainly parietal and occipital lobes. There is also a small indistinct focus of peripheral white matter T2 hyperintensity measuring about 6mm across in the right parietal lobe.

No enhancing or space-occupying intracranial mass.

Unremarkable findings in the regions of the internal auditory canals and pituitary fossa. Normal enhancement of the major dural venous sinuses.

Mild potentially chronic multifocal paranasal sinus mucosal thickening, ethmoid and maxillary sinuses are most notably involved. No acute mastoid fluid collections. The major arterial skull base flow voids are present."

There is a ton of stuff online about white cerebral matter, but I do not have MS or Lupus or Lyme's disease symptoms.

I'm supposed to be referred to a neurologist -- I havent seen one yet -- and my GP is not sure what to make of it all.

A few questions:

- Could my symptoms be connected to the white matter findings?

- Should white matter findings like this be tracked over time?

- What might possible next steps be w a neurologist? Spinal tap? Blood tests?

any info helpful. Thanks!

I see from here -

I believe this is your question on this forum. - that Dr. Kaul gives the soundest advice there is to give.

You might also ask your Neurologist if there is any possible link to the past RAI therapy; although usually not a problem but it never hurts to clear any questions up.

Good Wishes. Take Care.