Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhite Spots on MRICausesRisk FactorsTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
White Spots on MRI
Causes
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you’ve had a brainmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), you may be alarmed to hear that it shows small white spots. These white spots may indicate a cause for concern, including strokes ormultiple sclerosis (MS). However, there are also a variety of explanations that are not alarming, such as vitamin deficiencies or migraines.
If you have white spots, also called white matter hyperintensities, on your brain MRI, your healthcare provider will determine the cause based on your medical history and doing an exam. Other diagnostic tests may be used to determine the number of spots, their size and appearance, and their location in the brain.
This article will examine common causes of white spots on a brain MRI, risk factors, and treatment options.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Imaging Tests of Your Brain
What Are White Spots on a Brain MRI?
These spots (lesions) are easier to see onT2 weighted images—a medical term referring to the frequency (speed) of the radio impulses used during the scan.
In an MRI report, the white spots might be described as:
White spots can appear anywhere in the brain but are usually found in the white matter near the four cavities that contain cerebrospinal fluid (ventricles).
What Is the White Matter in the Brain?
Causes of White Spots on MRI
Other causes of white spots on a brain MRI include:
Tips for Living Well With MS
Risk Factors for White Spots on MRI
Since most white spots on an MRI of the brain are from strokes, there are some stroke risk factors to keep in mind:
Other risk factors for white spots on a brain MRI include:
What’s the Link Between Diabetes and Stroke?
COVID-19 and White MatterThere are some studies investigating the possible link between white matter abnormalities and people who have recovered from COVID-19. While more research needs to be done, initial studies seem to indicate that some people who recover from COVID-19 might have an increase in white matter abnormality.
COVID-19 and White Matter
There are some studies investigating the possible link between white matter abnormalities and people who have recovered from COVID-19. While more research needs to be done, initial studies seem to indicate that some people who recover from COVID-19 might have an increase in white matter abnormality.
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. This is often the case with chronic inflammatory conditions such as lupus or MS that flare up and then improve.
White spots on a brain MRI may shrink months after a minor stroke. They can also get worse if your risk factors for strokes aren’t treated, leading to more lesions on the brain.
Working with your healthcare provider can help you understand your brain MRI findings and create a treatment plan to address the underlying cause of the white spots and prevent more from occurring.
Treatment may include prescription medications, surgery, or lifestyle strategies, such as a nutritious diet and exercise, to build a healthier brain.
How Migraines Can Look on a Brain Scan
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.
Other risk factors for white spots include getting older, race/ethnicity, genetics, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
You can’t always prevent white spots on the brain, but there are some steps you can take to protect it. These include following your provider’s treatment plan, eating a diet that meets your nutritional needs, and staying physically active.
7 Foods That Support Brain Health, According to a Dietitian
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Stroke: causes and risk factors.American Stroke Association.Ischemic stroke (clots).Weidauer S, Wagner M, Hattingen E.White Matter Lesions in Adults – a Differential Diagnostic Approach.RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren. 2020;192(12):1154-1173. doi:10.1055/a-1207-1006Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS.Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention.Circ Res.2017;120(3):472-495. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308398Beecham A, Dong C, Wright CB, et al.Genome-wide scan in Hispanics highlights candidate loci for brain white matter hyperintensities.Neurol Genet.2017;3(5):e185. doi:10.1212/NXG.0000000000000185Huang S, Zhou Z, Yang D, et al.Persistent white matter changes in recovered COVID-19 patients at the 1-year follow-up.Brain. 2021;145(5):1830-1838. doi:10.1093/brain/awab435Mora F.Successful brain aging: plasticity, environmental enrichment, and lifestyle.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.2013;15(1):45-52. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.1/fmoraAdditional ReadingMarek M, Horyniecki M, Frączek M, Kluczewska E.Leukoaraiosis – new concepts and modern imaging.PJR. 2018;83:76-81. doi:10.5114/pjr.2018.74344Wiggins ME, Tanner J, Schwab N, et al.Regional leukoaraiosis and cognition in non-demented older adults.Brain Imaging and Behavior. 2019;13(5):1246-1254. doi:10.1007/s11682-018-9938-5
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Stroke: causes and risk factors.American Stroke Association.Ischemic stroke (clots).Weidauer S, Wagner M, Hattingen E.White Matter Lesions in Adults – a Differential Diagnostic Approach.RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren. 2020;192(12):1154-1173. doi:10.1055/a-1207-1006Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS.Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention.Circ Res.2017;120(3):472-495. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308398Beecham A, Dong C, Wright CB, et al.Genome-wide scan in Hispanics highlights candidate loci for brain white matter hyperintensities.Neurol Genet.2017;3(5):e185. doi:10.1212/NXG.0000000000000185Huang S, Zhou Z, Yang D, et al.Persistent white matter changes in recovered COVID-19 patients at the 1-year follow-up.Brain. 2021;145(5):1830-1838. doi:10.1093/brain/awab435Mora F.Successful brain aging: plasticity, environmental enrichment, and lifestyle.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.2013;15(1):45-52. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.1/fmoraAdditional ReadingMarek M, Horyniecki M, Frączek M, Kluczewska E.Leukoaraiosis – new concepts and modern imaging.PJR. 2018;83:76-81. doi:10.5114/pjr.2018.74344Wiggins ME, Tanner J, Schwab N, et al.Regional leukoaraiosis and cognition in non-demented older adults.Brain Imaging and Behavior. 2019;13(5):1246-1254. doi:10.1007/s11682-018-9938-5
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Stroke: causes and risk factors.American Stroke Association.Ischemic stroke (clots).Weidauer S, Wagner M, Hattingen E.White Matter Lesions in Adults – a Differential Diagnostic Approach.RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren. 2020;192(12):1154-1173. doi:10.1055/a-1207-1006Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS.Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention.Circ Res.2017;120(3):472-495. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308398Beecham A, Dong C, Wright CB, et al.Genome-wide scan in Hispanics highlights candidate loci for brain white matter hyperintensities.Neurol Genet.2017;3(5):e185. doi:10.1212/NXG.0000000000000185Huang S, Zhou Z, Yang D, et al.Persistent white matter changes in recovered COVID-19 patients at the 1-year follow-up.Brain. 2021;145(5):1830-1838. doi:10.1093/brain/awab435Mora F.Successful brain aging: plasticity, environmental enrichment, and lifestyle.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.2013;15(1):45-52. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.1/fmora
NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Stroke: causes and risk factors.
American Stroke Association.Ischemic stroke (clots).
Weidauer S, Wagner M, Hattingen E.White Matter Lesions in Adults – a Differential Diagnostic Approach.RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren. 2020;192(12):1154-1173. doi:10.1055/a-1207-1006
Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS.Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention.Circ Res.2017;120(3):472-495. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308398
Beecham A, Dong C, Wright CB, et al.Genome-wide scan in Hispanics highlights candidate loci for brain white matter hyperintensities.Neurol Genet.2017;3(5):e185. doi:10.1212/NXG.0000000000000185
Huang S, Zhou Z, Yang D, et al.Persistent white matter changes in recovered COVID-19 patients at the 1-year follow-up.Brain. 2021;145(5):1830-1838. doi:10.1093/brain/awab435
Mora F.Successful brain aging: plasticity, environmental enrichment, and lifestyle.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.2013;15(1):45-52. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.1/fmora
Marek M, Horyniecki M, Frączek M, Kluczewska E.Leukoaraiosis – new concepts and modern imaging.PJR. 2018;83:76-81. doi:10.5114/pjr.2018.74344Wiggins ME, Tanner J, Schwab N, et al.Regional leukoaraiosis and cognition in non-demented older adults.Brain Imaging and Behavior. 2019;13(5):1246-1254. doi:10.1007/s11682-018-9938-5
Marek M, Horyniecki M, Frączek M, Kluczewska E.Leukoaraiosis – new concepts and modern imaging.PJR. 2018;83:76-81. doi:10.5114/pjr.2018.74344
Wiggins ME, Tanner J, Schwab N, et al.Regional leukoaraiosis and cognition in non-demented older adults.Brain Imaging and Behavior. 2019;13(5):1246-1254. doi:10.1007/s11682-018-9938-5
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
