Small vessel Ischemic disease

Hi, @jodiis1. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry about the scariness of thinking you have every symptom of dementia and not knowing if that is the case.

You mentioned that you can't talk to the neurologist who ordered the MRI and diagnosed you with small vessel ischemic disease in your brain. Wondering if you could share more about why?

Hopefully by now you have learned a bit more. Mild CSVD can be found on many scans and is often not symptomatic . Extensive disease is treated by keeping Blood Pressure and cholesterol controlled. I don’t think much is understood about it as brain diseases like MS, Parkinson, ALS, ME, etc. seem to share many symptoms. Since you have mild ischemia perhaps your GP could be helpful. Your neurologist may see your brain changes but not be able to offer more than your GP could. Meds for cholesterol, BP and depression if necessary are commonly prescribed by your family Dr. Best wishes

Hello, my name is Hope and I am 51 years old. I had a brain MRI and the results came back that I have mild Small Vessel Ischemic Disease. I have had cognitive issue for the last five years. I have headaches with dizziness, forgetful, word finding issues, and language processing issues. I am trying to get an appointment with a neurologist but it could be two to three months before I can get an appointment. I would like to know more about this disease.

Hi @bosworth and welcome to Connect. You may have noticed I moved your discussion into the existing thread on small vessel ischemic disease so that you can connect with others who have experienced this disease. Simply click VIEW AND REPLY in your email notification and it will bring you to your post.

That must be frustrating to have those symptoms and have to wait two-three months before you can get in with a neurologist.

I wanted to introduce you to fellow connect members @caregiver49 and @jodiis1 as they have experience with this disease and may be able to offer you support as you learn more about this disease.

In addition, here is a link from Mayo Clinic with more information on this disease: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/small-vessel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352117

In the meantime @bosworth, did you doctors give you any guidance as to how to handle this disease before you see a neurologist?

I have not seen my doctor since the MRI. She is generating a referral for a neurologist at Med Star Health in Northern Virginia. I only know what I have read online.

My MRI said I have Mild Chronic SVD. I have many symptoms and have had them for 4 to 5 years. I have been to doctors telling them something is wrong with my thinking. I have trouble at work remembering what I have done and not done. I don't remember lots of conversations. There are days I have trouble writing emails. I fell out of bed a few months ago and then fell down the stairs after getting out of bed a few weeks ago, so my balance is off at times. I also wake up with mild headaches most morning and sometimes it followed up with dizziness to the point of getting an upset stomach. I am still waiting to get an appointment with a neurologist. I know very little about what is happening to me.

I was diagnosed with chronic small vessel ischemia changes. What can I do? I have dizziness headaches and blurred vision in one eye. I would like to hear from somebody who has been able to stabilize this disease

Hi, @suzie71 - it makes sense to be asking others who also have a diagnosis of small vessel ischemic disease about what to do to stabilize the disease, especially the dizziness, headaches and blurred vision in one eye.

Hoping that @bosworth @caregiver49 @niquinon @jodiis1 @cmcnab371 will have some input for you. @hopeful33250 and @oldkarl also may have some thoughts.

How are your symptoms today, @suzie71?

Good evening,

My son suddenly had fits and done MRI .
in the MRI: The study shows multiple punctuate T2/T2 FLAIR hyper-intensities notes in bilateral periventricular region (Left>right) with no evidence of restriction on DWI and no on SWI. Likely representing early changes of small vessel Ischemic disease.

Please advice me

Hello @molugu

As you may know, on Mayo Connect we cannot diagnose or give medical advice. We are a patient-to-patient support group. We can only share our own experiences.

However, given your son's young age, you certainly need to seek out a second opinion for this problem.

What has your doctor suggested that your son do for a follow-up on these MRI results?