Results of MRI worrying me.

[HappydaysArehere]

got back from holiday to find results of a MRI I had done as I have had pain in my ear and head. It was thought I had a form of neuralgia but the result is described as showing "some small vessel ischaemic change particularly adjacent to the head of the caudate nucleus on the right". I rang GP surgery but they are short of doctors and I will have to ring again on Monday in the hope I can speak to a doctor. Meanwhile I am worried. I am 74 and dread dementia. I have been taking amatrypline for the ear trouble and it has improved but there was no sign of glassopharyngeal nerve damage on the MRI which was the original diagnosis. Just hoping someone can put this into perspective between now and seeing a GP which I would be grateful for.

HiHappydays
I have recently had a head MRI. Mine also showed small ischaemic changes.
My GP was not worried and told me it was part of the ageing process.
Am a senior citizen too.
Take comfort while you wait to see your own doctor by the word used Small .
Truly know how worrying it is . Hopefully a doctor or MRI radiographer will post to reassure you .
I have nerve damage in my neck so do understand ..

That was kind of you blackswanlake. Thank you for those comforting words. I was especially worried as my mother had lots of minor strokes which led to dementia. It was awful. So thank you.

hi, sorry to hear about your MRI results, I am another one with worrying results. My scan has shown "numerous areas of high signal, could be small vessel disease or demyelination but not entirely typical"

I have MS type symptoms and have just had to have a lumbar puncture and visual evoked potential tests done.

I am 45 and so worried if it is not MS, it might be something else equally as bad, leading to dementia at my age!

Take care

Hyacinth so sorry that you have these problems at such a young age. I hope they will sort things out for you. I cannot believe that it is likely to mean anything like dementia at 45. It seems that the wonders of MRI also bring us worries! I do hope the results will bring you peace of mind very soon. Thank you for responding.