Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Stroke?

07/03/2007

Question:

Sudden onset L sided weakness/numbness-I had an MRI Impression: MODERATE SIZED FOCUS OF INCREASED T2 AND DIMINISHED T1 SIGNAL IN THE RIGHT FRONTAL WHITE MATTER WITHOUT ASSOCIATED ENHANCEMENT,IS NON-SPECIFIC AND MAY REFLECT SMALL VESSEL DISEASE,DEMYELINATION AND/OR GLIOSIS. a SMALL CHRONIC LACUNAR INFARCT IS SUSPECTED. TINY PUNCTATE FOCUS OF INCRESED FLAIR SIGNAL SEEN IN THE RIGHT FRONTAL WHITE MATTER IS ALSO NON-SPECIFIC. NO ENHANCING LESION IS SEEN. My primary care MD has referred me to a neurologist states this isn`t cardiac in nature-I am confused! An aside have never had high BP always on the low side. I am 47 y/o white female. Previous hx of smoking.

Answer:

I have previously described “white matter disease” and consequences/importance, and I would refer you to those answers for more information. As to whether you have had a stroke or not, I don’t think I can accurately say from the information provided—it is best to follow up with your local neurologist, who is able to take a full history and perform a full physical examination.

For more information:

Go to the Stroke health topic.