What are White Matter Lesions?

An Overview.

White matter lesions (WMLs) are areas of abnormal myelination in the brain.

These lesions are best visualized as hyperintensities on T2 weighted and FLAIR (Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) sequences of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).

They are considered a marker of small vessel disease.

However, there are numerous non-vascular causes, as well.

An increase in WMLs increases the risk of:

Stroke,

Cognitive decline,

Depression,

Disability, and

Mortality in the general population.

Thus, it is strived in this Booklet to discuss the EVALUATION and MANAGEMENT of patients with WMLs and highlighting the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and treating patients with this condition.

…Dr. H. K. Saboowala.

M.B.(Bom) .M.R.S.H.(London)