Expert: Michalene Peticca - 11/22/2006

Question
Hello.  I hope you can help me.

I went to my doctor for guidance after I had a really bad headache.  I have also been feeling somewhat tired lately and probably over the last year am a bit forgetful (can not always remember where I park, peoples' names, missing keys, etc).  I have high blood pressure but have been on meds, and it is under control.  I also take zoloft in a low daily dose for depression which I have not sufferred for a couple of years.  I had thyroid surgery 6 - 8 months ago, and the left side of my thyroid was removed though it was not cancer.  I work out and am otherwise a healthy 41 year old male who I thought until today's news was disease free.  My doctor requested that I take an MRI of my head.  I did, and this morning got the results back from her assistant who handed them to me and gave me the name of another doctor to call.  I set up an appointment with the referral doctor for December 12 which is his earliest appointment.  In the "Impression section" of the MRI write up, it says, "Mild cerebral atrophy and ex vacuole dilation of the ventricular system."  I have not yet discussed these results with the doctor who requested I take the MRI as we have been playing telephone tag today. I am concerned because I have no idea what this means, and with my tiredness, headaches and sometime forgetful mind, I am wondering if these are symptoms of a much deeper medical problem to come.  Please let me know your thoughts.  It's very much appreciated.

Answer
Hello Tom,
Thank you for writing.  I am sure this is a real challenging time as you await your next doctor's appointment.   

Because of your age, your situation is a bit out of my realm of expertise.   But, from what you have provided i am fairly sure you don't have Alzheimer's or dementia.   What the "impression" section is saying, i believe, is that it shows some MILD brain tissue decrease and perhaps a cyst imbedded in the brain.

Two things to remember - I am NOT a neurologist or radiologist...so i could be totally wrong.  AND, some people just have minute variations in the shape or size of their brains and i do know some folks that have a cyst in their brain that never affects them.  

My suggestion - wait for the meeting with your doctors before diagnosing anything.   I'll keep thinking positive for you and hope all is well!!!

Take care and crossing my fingers,
Michalene Peticca,MA