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

Posted by sue60 @sue60, Apr 11, 2016

I have vascular small vessel disease that so far just has caused a severe loss of balance. I walk with a cane, but it is getting harder. Likewise exercise is not easy. I still drive short distances. I feel perfectly normal lying down and it is so much easier to do that. The sad part is I don't really see anything that is going to end this as otherwise I am healthy. I know there are many worse things. Does anyone else have this and how are you coping?

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Profile picture for lizjohn @lizjohn

Every little bit helps; it is just nice to be able to talk to people who are experiencing the same thing. I too have to concentrate on walking, especially in grassy areas. I seem to lilt to the left when I walk. I have gotten so I take my husband's hand whenever he is with me, that seems to help with the balance issue. It is frustrating not being able to do the things I used to do with ease and have to think about every move I make. I continue to try to bowl, not very good at it anymore but I bowl with ladies like me who are older and experiencing aging issues. That seems to help also. Good luck to you and Happy Easter.

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Hi,
I find it remarkable that mostly it is the left leg that is problematic with a lot of people. I get intense migrains in the right rear of the brain which I believe is the motor control part of the brain. I'm not sure this has anything to do with anything, but it is just another symptom unexplained. Possibly CSVD is more advanced in some areas of the brain than others. I wonder if it relates to being right footed or left footed. I happen to be right footed. Just when I think I have a handle on my situation I'm forced to review my plight with yet another twist. The only end I see for me is to try and ignore it all, until I am no more.
Cheers

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Profile picture for cheyne @cheyne

Hi,
With both CSVD and Autonomic polyneuropathy both having similar symptoms it is difficult to know which is causing what. I never associated CSVD with my balance issues but have gone from having difficulty standing and walking to being able to walk and stand well. In the short time since diagnosis I have forced myself to stand and walk, always pushing to do it better. I have found that concentrating on what I'm doing works for me. No longer is my ability to stand and walk automatic, the more I concentrate the better I manage until my attention is diverted then I struggle again. With many health issues going on and little medical help I do what ever I find suits me best, actively managing my situation to my best advantage. This may not be helping my health issues but trying to be comfortable is my focus despite them all.
Cheers

Jump to this post

Every little bit helps; it is just nice to be able to talk to people who are experiencing the same thing. I too have to concentrate on walking, especially in grassy areas. I seem to lilt to the left when I walk. I have gotten so I take my husband's hand whenever he is with me, that seems to help with the balance issue. It is frustrating not being able to do the things I used to do with ease and have to think about every move I make. I continue to try to bowl, not very good at it anymore but I bowl with ladies like me who are older and experiencing aging issues. That seems to help also. Good luck to you and Happy Easter.

REPLY

Hi,
With both CSVD and Autonomic polyneuropathy both having similar symptoms it is difficult to know which is causing what. I never associated CSVD with my balance issues but have gone from having difficulty standing and walking to being able to walk and stand well. In the short time since diagnosis I have forced myself to stand and walk, always pushing to do it better. I have found that concentrating on what I'm doing works for me. No longer is my ability to stand and walk automatic, the more I concentrate the better I manage until my attention is diverted then I struggle again. With many health issues going on and little medical help I do what ever I find suits me best, actively managing my situation to my best advantage. This may not be helping my health issues but trying to be comfortable is my focus despite them all.
Cheers

REPLY
Profile picture for tc1945 @tcainaru

I ride my bike to try to get exercise. I do not get dizzy, but do experience light headefness. What i have been told by the neurogist is that many older people have CSVD. That almost 100 percent of people over 90 have it. Has affected my energy also, but get this weak feeling that last couple of years.

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I feel like one by one I am giving up things I love to do. I am working real hard to find new things to do in my new world. I’m so glad to find this group to share things with and maybe pickup on some new things. Reading your posts I am reminded of an issue that should have been a clue. Probably 2020, maybe further back, I wanted to start riding bike in my retirement. I live by a very popular bike trail. Bought a nice bike and long story short I couldn’t ride it in no way. Well I ended up with a trike. I was probably in the silent/ mild level of CSVD, affecting my balance. Anyway, I am looking forward to sharing. Thanks!

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Profile picture for dle25 @dle25

Hi, I am 68, I too was diagnosed at the moderate level. I keep as busy as possible, however watch a lot of tv. Anything I do I am always fighting thru pain in my legs or worried about the dizzy thing, all very tiring. So I do a chore, sit down and repeat that all day. I drive as little as possible. I have two wonderful old dogs that are my life line they keep me going everyday. What do you find to do that is enjoyable?

Jump to this post

I ride my bike to try to get exercise. I do not get dizzy, but do experience light headefness. What i have been told by the neurogist is that many older people have CSVD. That almost 100 percent of people over 90 have it. Has affected my energy also, but get this weak feeling that last couple of years.

REPLY
Profile picture for tc1945 @tcainaru

Hi, I am a 72 year old diabetic. I have moderate CSVD. Noticed the past couple of years my balance and energy are bad, but have had insomnia the last couple of years. I had to stop working because of the symptoms. Walking is changed too. It's hard for me to distinguish if what i feel sometimes is from diabetes or CSVD? I am also interested on what others have.

Jump to this post

Hi, I am 68, I too was diagnosed at the moderate level. I keep as busy as possible, however watch a lot of tv. Anything I do I am always fighting thru pain in my legs or worried about the dizzy thing, all very tiring. So I do a chore, sit down and repeat that all day. I drive as little as possible. I have two wonderful old dogs that are my life line they keep me going everyday. What do you find to do that is enjoyable?

REPLY
Profile picture for dle25 @dle25

I too have been diagnosed with CSVD and would love to get more information and discussion regarding the disease and symptoms. I was diagnosed August 2024 at moderate level. Since then I have been miserable with brain fog, balance headaches and so very fatigued. About all I do well is sleep. I’d be interested to know what symptoms others are experiencing, at what levels, and anything more about CSVD. THANKS, Debbie

Jump to this post

Hi, I am a 72 year old diabetic. I have moderate CSVD. Noticed the past couple of years my balance and energy are bad, but have had insomnia the last couple of years. I had to stop working because of the symptoms. Walking is changed too. It's hard for me to distinguish if what i feel sometimes is from diabetes or CSVD? I am also interested on what others have.

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Profile picture for rengland @rengland

Hello I am a 45-year-old female that has just been diagnosed with hereditary cerebral small vessel disease. I had an MRI and it was confirmed through that. Along with my other symptoms of neuropathy, Raynaud's disease, cognitive decline, muscle loss and function, and gait issues. Is there anybody that's dealing with this or anyone that has any kind of information any kind of support groups that could help how common is this Is there a foundation for this. What kind of information is out there related to this condition. I really would appreciate anyone's advice and support and I look forward to hearing from anyone.

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I too have been diagnosed with CSVD and would love to get more information and discussion regarding the disease and symptoms. I was diagnosed August 2024 at moderate level. Since then I have been miserable with brain fog, balance headaches and so very fatigued. About all I do well is sleep. I’d be interested to know what symptoms others are experiencing, at what levels, and anything more about CSVD. THANKS, Debbie

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Profile picture for tc1945 @tcainaru

I also have CSVD. I am 72 and seeing the neurologist she does not seem to be concerned. Never instructed me on what to eat that may help or anything else that not what to do that will make it worse. Othen then glucose level, BP and Triglycerides.

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I am really glad to find a support group or discussion group. I was diagnosed August 2024 at moderate level. Since then I have been miserable with brain fog, balance headaches and so very fatigued. About all I do well is sleep. I’d be interested to know what symptoms others are experiencing, at what levels, and anything more about CSVD.

I concentrate on eating a Mediterranean Diet, fruits, vegetables, and protein. But my appetite is bad, I think because of my fatigue, I am very uncomfortable exercising, which I was told is very important to do. I don’t socialize at all any more.

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Hi @sue60, welcome to Connect.
I'd like to connect you with @caregiver49, who is also dealing with small vessel disease and would like to talk with others. Her biggest issue at the moment is with unrelenting fatigue.

Sue, do you struggle with fatigue as well?

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I am really glad to find a support group or discussion group. I was diagnosed August 2024 at moderate level. Since then I have been miserable with brain fog, balance headaches and so very fatigued. About all I do well is sleep. I’d be interested to know what symptoms others are experiencing, at what levels, and anything more about CSVD. THANKS, Debbie

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