What are punctate foci?

Punctate foci are 'lesions' on the brain, typically caused by unknown trauma to the brain or conditions where demyelination of brain tissue occurs. Punctate foci are identified by brain MRI, with and without contrast although using contrast normally provides a more accurate picture of all lesions. In layman's terms, punctate foci have also been described as 'popcorn calcifications' in the brain tissue. Some punctate foci are associated with normal aging process.