I described an odd feeling in my head and an occasional “whoosh” one-second disorientation four years ago (which I still get often). So a cat-scan was done. Nothing remarkable except minor calcification. But it was the MRI last year, which I insisted on having, that showed the micro-v. disease. Thanks!

Thanks, Amanda. I've been having cryptogenic (unknown origin) strokes for a few years. The first with symptoms (cerebellum, vertigo) was 4 years ago, and the MRI showed signs of 2 prior events. Since then, I've had 3 more, with only 1 symptomatic (different part of the brain, difficulty with word formation). Both times I had symptoms it was mild and transient, thank goodness.

Since last March, when I had the last symptomatic stroke, they have been doing all sorts of tests to try to identify a cause, with no success. So, it seems that small cerebral vessel disease is the likely suspect. Have been on Plavix since then, with no stroke symptoms. an MRI in September showed no stroke activity. I am blind so can't monitor my stool for signs of blood, so my PCP is doing lab tests every 3 months to screen for indications of anemia, which might indicate bleeding. It's kind of creepy, having the sense that something could happen again at any time, possibly with more serious repercussions. Glad to have connected with this group.