Number of T2 Hyperintensities

[MSscare]

Hi,
I have had increased frequency of vertigo for the past two years.  It has recently been getting worse.  I did an MRI last week which showed "50 punctate T2 hyperintensities scattered through the predominantly superficial white matter of the frontal and parietal lobes bilaterally."  Should I be worried about the number of hyperintensities?  I need a scale to measure this number against.  Any help would be much appreciated.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
White matter lesions in these parts of the brain can occur in ischemic vascular disease or epilepsy. Other causes include Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, old age, high BP, diabetes, chronic headaches, migraines, smoking and alcoholism.
In MS the lesions are typically located in the periventricular region and corpus callosum of the brain.
Hope this answers your question!

[MSscare]

Thank you for your prompt response.  I am 23 years old, have low blood pressure, I don't smoke or drink.  I have had no history of chronic headaches or migraines.  My blood glucose levels are normal.  How likely is it for me to get Alzheimer's disease or dementia at this age?