I have Cerebral Small Vessel Disease - so far caused loss of balance

Hi Amanda, I was diagnosed 3 years ago after a stroke, I am on a statin, blood pressure pills and an aspirin . I was extremely active person . Chopping and stacking my yearly wood for win t we , shovelling, walking 2 .5 miles first thing in the morning and a t supper. Taking care of family members that are high stress.

I am on a statin, high blood pressure pills , an aspirin a day, my heart is erratic, I fire very easily, and am losing interest in everything. Altho my cardiologist is ordering nuclear testing, she feels the disease is progressing and there is little probably can be done. I'm looking for any input from anyone. Dizzy spells and off balance has become a problem....anyone have any symptoms like this.

Hi Sally,
My symptoms are very similar to yours, with some memory problems and TIA's as well. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do about it as your doctor stated. My neurologist said "you can't rotoroot your brain". Exercise is probably the best thing, exercising your body AND your brain. Hopefully the additional brain cell death and lacunar strokes cause by CSVD will not be too rapid and you'll be able to enjoy life for a long time. Good luck!

Hi, I was diagnosed with csvd 3 years ago. I had an episode of off balance, dizziness, lose of bladder a nd bowel, heavy sweating, diagnosed with having had a stroke. I feel at this point it's effected my everyday life. At the time I was shocked with it...but now, I am tired, lack of energy, off balance, very sore eyes as well now. Also heart palpitations ...I think it's worsening...At the 3 rdyear point. Up to last year I was walking 35 miles a week. Chopped a nd stacked my own wood.. Now I am weak...it's frightening. How do you keep going with this.

maybe you need to wear glasses - most people over 50 do. you might find the properly prescribed glasses would hep a lot - apart from which the optician woul by able to answer any questions you have, I hope this helps.

My husband was told he had the beginning of CSVD when he had his first stroke in 2015 but he had problems with insufficient blood supply to spine as a child so don't know if the CSVD comes from that. He was told to stay hydrated, low fat diet and low salt (watch cholesterol & BP), and exercise (brisk walking at a min) at least 30 min daily. We were told there is no "cure" but with diligence it can be managed. I would like for him to watch things closer but he seems to be fine. Yes, glasses definitely would help with eye strain as well as avoiding too much screen time with electronic devices. If you can get in with a Neuro-Opthamologist they have been the most helpful in keeping his eyes healthy.

Hi, I have done posts on here before so I won't get into all my symptoms from csvd. But I'm wondering does anyone have problems with extremely sensitive taste , sensitive feelin g in your tongue and problems with biting the sides..

HelloJust started searching, are there good support groups for CSVD and resources?Thank you in advance for any thoughts, comments and suggestions.

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I'm not aware of any support groups, but think that it would be a good idea.

I also have CSVD. It is scary knowing that you have a progressive disease without treatment options. It is insidious, but you may be fortunate and it might not manifest with serious implications for quite a while.

What happened that prompted testing that led to the diagnosis? Are you already symptomatic or was this found through routine testing? Have you been tested for CAD as well, since these go hand in hand with both being caused by the same mechanism (plaque build up)?

Hang in there and enjoy life to its fullest before CSVD has a chance to impact your life.

If you want any information that I have researched or just want to vent please let me know.

Hi Keith,
Have not been tested for CAD.
In retrospect, it's easy to see a slight change over the last three years with employment history and other things. One year ago, I had a barrage of symptoms that ended up leading to an MS diagnosis, but my memory caused my neurologist to persist with more tests. An aEEG confirmed his suspicions of CSVD. He has just prescribed Oxcarbazepine which I hate with a passion, too many side effects, I see him again in April when I believe he will give me the dreaded 'D' diagnosis. I would love to know if this is hereditary as dementia as well as Alzheimer's runs in my mom's side of the family heavily.
As for your situation, do you take specific medications for either CAD or CSVD? Or just meds to control symptoms?
I appreciate the contact, any information is GREATLY appreciated.
Hang in there.