Can white matter lesions be nothing?

Studies have found that white matter lesions appear in some degree on brain scans of most older adults but less often in younger people. White matter lesions are among the most common incidental findings—which means the lesions have no clinical significance—on brain scans of people of any age.

What does nonspecific white matter lesions mean?

White matter lesions (WMLs) are areas of abnormal myelination in the brain. These lesions are best visualized as hyperintensities on T2 weighted and FLAIR (Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) sequences of magnetic resonance imaging. They are considered a marker of small vessel disease.

Can brain lesions mean nothing?

Lesions can be due to disease, trauma or a birth defect. Sometimes lesions appear in a specific area of the brain. At other times, the lesions are present in a large part of the brain tissue. At first, brain lesions may not produce any symptoms.

Can lesions on the brain be harmless?

That's because there are many types of brain lesions. They can range from small to large, from few to many, from relatively harmless to life threatening.

What causes nonspecific white matter lesions?

Having cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar (from diabetes), high dietary fat intake (high cholesterol) and smoking can all increase the number of white matter spots or lesions in your brain.

MS white matter lesions

Are white matter lesions normal?

White matter lesions are among the most common incidental findings—which means the lesions have no clinical significance—on brain scans of people of any age. They may also reflect a mixture of inflammation, swelling, and damage to the myelin.

Do brain lesions always mean MS?

Although MRI is a very useful diagnostic tool, a normal MRI of the brain does not rule out the possibility of MS. About 5 percent of people who are confirmed to have MS do not initially have brain lesions evidenced by MRI.

Can brain lesions disappear?

Conclusions: Brainstem lesions in MS patients can disappear on subsequent imaging. Disappearing MRI lesions may delay the diagnosis. These results suggest that more weight should be given to the reported clinical brainstem events, especially in the initial diagnosis of MS. Disclosure: Dr.

Are lesions on the brain normal?

Brain lesions are areas of abnormal tissue that have been damaged due to injury or disease, which can range from being relatively harmless to life-threatening. Clinicians typically identify them as unusual dark or light spots on CT or MRI scans which are different from ordinary brain tissue.

What causes white lesions on the brain?

Summary. White spots on a brain MRI are not always a reason for concern. There are many possible causes, including vitamin deficiencies, infections, migraines, and strokes. Other risk factors for white spots include age, genetics, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Can stress cause white matter lesions?

Increased exposures to stressful events are associated with a corresponding increase in the progression of white matter hyperintensities.

Can stress cause lesions on the brain?

Significance. Psychological stress is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) severity (e.g., to a heightened risk of brain lesion development).

Can you have demyelination without MS?

Other non-MS demyelinating disorders

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) — A separate disease from MS that shares several clinical features. NMO most often causes visual changes in both eyes and symptoms caused by long lesions in the spinal cord.

Does everyone have white matter in their brain?

See other articles in PMC that cite the published article. “Gray matter” is only one of two types of brain tissue; the other “white matter” is rarely mentioned. Yet white matter makes up half the human brain and has not been thought to be important in cognition or learning outside the context of pathology.

Can MS be missed on brain MRI?

MRI is considered the best test to help diagnose MS. However, 5% of people with MS do not have abnormalities detected on MRI; thus, a "negative" scan does not completely rule out MS. In addition, some common changes of aging may look like MS on a MRI.

What are the symptoms of white matter lesions?

What are the 3 types of lesions?

Can a CT scan show lesions on the brain?

CT and MRI scans allow radiologists to identify the exact location of brain lesions. This enables us to see how they relate to the adjacent brain structures, often helping us to understand patients' symptoms. CT and MRI scans also show different feature sets that can help determine the type of brain lesion.

What's the difference between a lesion and a tumor?

A lesion describes any area of damaged tissue. All tumors are lesions, but not all lesions are tumors. Other brain lesions can be caused by stroke, injury, encephalitis and arteriovenous malformation.

Can you have mild MS all your life?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.

How long does it take for MS lesions to show on MRI?

The pattern of gadolinium-enhancement in multiple sclerosis lesions is variable but almost always transient (2–8 weeks, although typically <4 weeks).

What do lesions on the brain indicate?

A brain lesion describes damage or destruction to any part of the brain. It may be due to trauma or any other disease that can cause inflammation, malfunction, or destruction of brain cells or brain tissue. A lesion may be localized to one part of the brain or it may be widespread.

What is the difference between white matter disease and MS?

Symptoms of Gray and White Matter Disease

"Gray matter disease causes progressive symptoms, like fatigue and memory loss. These higher brain functions are called cognitive functions. Most MS disability actually comes from cognitive dysfunction."

What conditions can mimic MS?

How do you rule out MS?