What Causes An Abnormal Brain MRI Report?

Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 Answered on

Thu, 8 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had abnormal Brain MRI..Doctor suggests spinal tap w/fluoroscopy..what could be possible causes for abnormal MRI?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
More information needed about your condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

If you can, uploading some of MRI pictures, or writing MRI report, could help me understand better your condition.

Describing your symptoms too, helps in narrowing possible diagnoses.

However, if spinal tap is required, there may be increased intracranial pressure, probable subarachnoidal hemorrhage, or suspicion about any central nervous system infection.

Awaiting for more information...,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Symptoms: Severe headaches with a lot of pressure in the head. Dr. stated this condition could possibly lead to blindness, so she therefore stated I needed to do a spinal tap /fluoroscopy..just not sure what this condition is called. Haven't received any reports or records yet of the MRI.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably increased intracranial pressure.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for the clarifications.

MRI results will clarify the diagnosis, however, I think your condition is related to increased intracranial pressure.

There are several causes ( malabsorption, brain lesions that obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways, etc.) that may lead to increased intracranial pressure that will be clear as well after the MRI results.

Hope I helped you. If you have further questions feel free to ask.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (13 hours later)

Hi. I was later told that Brain MRI abnormal..but No major abnormalities. What does this mean? Will F/U with a spinal tap.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed explanation below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

As I mentioned before, the situation will clear after the MRI results.

Since you was told no major abnormalities, then serious conditions such brain lesions are excluded.

Spinal tap will show if there was subarachnoidal hemorrhage or infection, depends on suspects raised by MRI findings.

Hope this helps.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad