Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I underwent an MRI of the brain for recurrent vertigo. The scan was done with multisequence, multiplanar imaging.
The report mentions that the supratentorial and infratentorial brain parenchyma are normal, with no lesions in the white matter, basal ganglia, thalami, midbrain, medulla, or cerebellum. The pituitary gland is normal. The ventricular system and sulcal spaces are mildly prominent.
It also states that there is a type 2 vascular loop of the left anterior inferior cerebellar artery in the cerebellopontine angle, entering the internal auditory canal, and a type 1 vascular loop of the right anterior inferior cerebellar artery in the cerebellopontine angle, not entering the canal.
There is no mass lesion in the internal auditory canals, and the seventh and eighth cranial nerve complexes are normal. Other structures, including venous sinuses, orbits, and craniovertebral junction, are unremarkable.
The impression mentions vascular loops on both sides and no intracranial abnormality.
I would like to understand what these vascular loops mean and whether they could be responsible for my recurrent vertigo.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) findings are largely normal, which is reassuring. There is no evidence of tumor, stroke, demyelination, or any significant structural brain abnormality. The hearing and balance nerves (seventh and eighth cranial nerves) and the cerebellopontine angle region are also normal, with no mass lesions.
The vascular loops described refer to the anterior inferior cerebellar artery forming a loop near the hearing and balance nerve. On the left side, the loop extends into the internal auditory canal, while on the right side, it remains outside. These are classified as different types based on their position.
Such vascular loops are common anatomical variations and are often found incidentally in people without symptoms. In some cases, if the vessel lies very close to the vestibulocochlear nerve, it may irritate and contribute to symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, or dizziness. However, in many cases, they are not the actual cause of symptoms.
Since your MRI does not show any significant abnormality, your recurrent vertigo is more likely due to common inner ear conditions such as benign positional vertigo, vestibular migraine, or inner ear imbalance.
Management usually focuses on symptom control and vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Surgical treatment is rarely required and is considered only in severe cases with clear nerve compression.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Prakashkumar P Bhatt
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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