These white spots may indicate a cause for concern, including strokes ormultiple sclerosis (MS).
What Are White Spots on a Brain MRI?
These changes happen when the brain cells are inflamed or damaged.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Blockages of small blood vessels can cause small strokes due tohigh blood pressureor diabetes.
Large strokes are usually because of heart disease orcarotid artery disease.
Sometimes, white spots are caused bysilent strokessmall strokes that don’t cause symptoms.
How Are White Spots on the Brain Treated?
Sometimes, a white spot can go away after treatment for a condition like an infection or brain tumor.
The spots may also temporarily get smaller and worsen later.
White spots on a brain MRI may shrink months after a minor stroke.
Summary
White spots on a brain MRI are not always a reason to worry.
There are many possible causes, including vitamin deficiencies, infections, migraines, and strokes.
NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Stroke: causes and risk factors.
American Stroke Association.Ischemic stroke (clots).
2019;13(5):1246-1254. doi:10.1007/s11682-018-9938-5
