I know no one here are doctors but if someone can help me understand this MRI I would sure appreciate it. I do have an appt set to go over results but am anxious.

The cortical sulci, cisterns and ventricles are proportionate in size and not
enlarged. There is a mild to moderate burden of nonspecific nodular
periventricular, deep and subcortical white matter foci of T2 prolongation.
There is T2 signal hyperintensity within the brainstem particularly involving
the pons. These findings are more than expected for a patient of this age. No
hemorrhage, mass, midline shift, extra fluid collections or restricted
diffusion. Normal intracranial flow voids.
The orbital contents are unremarkable. There is minimal paranasal sinus mucosal
thickening. Normal nasopharyngeal soft tissues. Partially visualized cervical
spine hardware.
Impression:
No evidence of acute intracranial disease.
Mild to moderate burden of nonspecific white matter T2 prolongation, and
significant T2 signal hyperintensity within the pons and brainstem. These
findings may be secondary to early manifestations of chronic small vessel
ischemia and brainstem ischemic gliosis. Demyelinating disease and other
etiologies are also considerations, in the appropriate clinical setting.


Thank you in advanc4

Sorry I didn't provide more information on my 1st post. That's probably why no one responded.

So... I don't see my surgeon to go over this until the 26th.

This is my Brain MRI that my Neuro Dr ordered. My surgeon sent me to her among other specialists because I'm having so many problems after my DLIF surgery. L1 to L5 fusion. A very painful surgery! I am just over 8 months in.

I think my surgeon is seeking nerve damages.

I have seen a Neuro, Gastro and Urologist so far and each of them are ordering more tests. It's been very frustrating because I don't what's gone wrong with my body.

If anyone here has any idea what any of the MRI means...anything...I would sure appreciate it. Again, I know no one here is a doctor, just seeking for anything!

Thank you

Is anyone reading this? Maybe my title line was the wrong description for this topic. So I reworded it above to Brain MRI After DLIF 4 level Back Surgery.

I hope someone may be able to respond this time.

Thank you in advance for any replies.

Hi Moonstar,
I'm sorry you are going through this and having to wait to see your doctor, waiting and guessing is so difficult.

I think part of the issue is not knowing what symptoms you are having. Test results are best analyzed in the context of symptoms, so let us know what symptoms you are dealing with. Do you have other tests that will be performed? It mentioned white matter more than what should have for your age. Have the docs mentioned anything specific they are looking for?

I know, no answers, but I wanted to reply. I've been the one waiting & worrying, & probably will be again!

Hi Jenng,
I was also confused as to why I even needed a brain MRI. I believe it's because I have a serious gait problem or maybe the Neuro Dr was checking if my brain is talking to my body correctly for nerve signals & pain generators or because I have a bladder problem that involves nerve damage or possibly to check for MS. Right now I'm not sure because I'm having so many issues after I had my lumbar surgery. Maybe it's because there may be nerve damages in different areas caused from the surgery.

Any insight or advice or thoughts are very welcome

Have you read on our MS forum to see if it matches with your symptoms?

All of your concerns are valid. If your surgeon does not seem to be adequately working up your complications, then go outside the group for a second opinion.