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

I take Zetia and Rosuvastatin to try to manage the progression of my CAD, and since I am asymptomatic I don't need anything else. Unfortunately, the first symptom can be a fatal heart attack!

I was diagnosed with CSVD because I was having syncope type episodes and they did the neuro workup as well as the cardio workup. My MRI's show multiple hyperintensities where the ischemia is killing off brain cells as well as evidence of multiple lacunar strokes. I also have an abnormal EEG which is to be expected. My next neuro appointment is 3/12, so maybe I'll get some sort of update that I can share with you.

So far I don't think that this disease has yet manifested much in the way of cognitive problems except for a few isolated symptoms. My main problems are balance/fall related, occasional aphasia or slurred speech, and asymmetric hearing loss with tinnitus. I think everyone can have quite varied symptoms depending on what areas of the brain are being affected. If you have an MRI that states what areas are being impacted you can probably look up what functions are associated with that area and see if your symptoms correspond.

The most important thing is to live your life and not dwell on the negative (easier said than done). When my cardiologist called me with what sounded like a death sentence it shook me up. I started taking some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs to help me cope and have since been able to wean myself off of some as I came to terms with everything. I also did some cognitive behavior therapy which was beneficial. Do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. Hopefully you have some supportive friends/family since that can help as well.

Best of luck!

Your MS diagnosis is interesting. My sister also was diagnosed with MS, and just recently they told her that many of her symptoms are likely caused by CSVD rather than the MS.

Hi I've also got small vessel disease of the brain.i don't know much as I'm still waiting on neurologist contacting me,last time I heard by phone call last October,I try to keep my mind off it by playing games on phone like jigsaws and quizzes.ive been put on blood thinners and BP tablets,I'm dieting and having steady walks as I walk with a stick.

I'm so surprised that I've found someone who is having bladder problems like me ,tired lots, heavy sweating, stay strong do hobbies to keep your mind off it sally.

Neurogenic Bladder I've an issue with bladder Signals from brain misfiring ...

Hi angelic scripts is that the reason we have bladder problems.

Hi Amandajro, I'm also getting dizzy sometimes lose balance.im on satins and colpedogral for heart,BP tablets.

hi Kerry mapstone,I have small vessel disease,i wondered what you meant when you said some days are worse than other what are symptoms your husband having as I don't know anything about this.im still waiting on appointment with neurologist and haven't heard anything since last October when neurologist called me.

It could be however I've lumbar stenosis along with Cervical Spondylostis discs gone with encroachment of nerves ..plus an Arachnoid Cyst...I'm under uro/gynaecology
Neurosurgeons are dubious about operating that is When bladder/bowel loose all sensation ..if issue with bladder see a specialist...

Oh I'm sorry to hear this,

Hi sue60 I'm getting tired very easily when walking or doing housework,lots of really bad headaches,I'm lucky I got supportive family.could sleep constant if I had chance,you just have to do your best to keep your mind off it,I do jigsaws online and games on phone.the friends I had B4 saying what I got are non existent 😞