Brain mri report reads: scattered foci of white matter signal abnormality in bilateral corona radiata and centrum semiovale are most consistent with small vessel ischemic disease. im scared i am only 37yo. is this serious?

Scattered white matter signal abnormality is a non specific finding and suggest chronic small vessel disease. It’s very common with age. There are lots of reasons for small vessel disease. You need to follow up with a neurologist to evaluate causes for white matter lesions and small vessel disease. These may be seen if you have underlying disease. Please follow up with neurologist.

Depends on extent and cause(s) and your symptoms. Discuss with the Dr. who ordered it as we do not know you at all. Small vessel disease is most likely uncontrolled high blood pressure that has been going on for some time possibly not diagnosed or treated. Get careful blood pressure measurements in both arm as a start.

This is truly a nonspecific MRI, as it can correlate with smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, prior head trauma, vasculitis or arteritis, migraine, and even MS. This needs correlation with your clinical problems. Start with discussion involving your primary physician. You might consider additional opinion via virtual consult here (www.connect@healthtap.com).

Presumably you didn't just wander into an MRI facility and make an impulse purchase. Your doctor ordered the scan for a reason. Why did you leave out the reason? The MRI isn't the patient; you are. You should be asking the ordering MD. It's their ethical obligation to interpret the MRI in YOUR CASE; or, if (s)he can't, to find someone who can. Ask to be shown the actual images and discuss them.