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I have Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: How are you coping?

Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases | Last Active: Mar 30 1:44pm | Replies (142)
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@debbic715

Thanks for your answer. Good to connect. I dont know what CAC score is. And if ive had mini strokes i havent been aware of it. Except for balance problems i havent had much symptoms. At my age some level of memory problems are common. Its difficult not being able to get to a doctor who is familiar with this disease.
What is CAC?
Thanks. Stay in touch.

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Replies to "Thanks for your answer. Good to connect. I dont know what CAC score is. And if..."
keithl56 | @keithl56 | May 13, 2021

CAC is coronary artery calcification. It is determined by a CT scan and shows the calcified plaque in the arteries (usually 20% of plaque is calcified so total plaque is 5x what is shown. Scores above 400 are very bad and over 1000 is extremely high risk.

A brain MRI shows the areas (hyperintensities) where loss of blood flow has actually caused brain cell death (infarctions). The location of these determine what if any effect they may have on you. It is possible to have silent mini strokes (TIA's) that you don't even notice but they still will show up on a scan.

Anyone with coronary artery disease is at higher risk of cerebral microvascular disease since they are both caused by plaque build up.

Everyone as they age will have some microvascular ischemia but may not have any symptoms. Ask the neurologist how much the disease has progressed and what part(s) of the brain are involved. This will help you understand your risks. Your balance issues may be caused by this (or not) and he/she can counsel you. I know my balance issues are and try to minimize my risks.

Good Luck!

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