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

Hi, I have done posts on here before so I won't get into all my symptoms from csvd. But I'm wondering does anyone have problems with extremely sensitive taste , sensitive feelin g in your tongue and problems with biting the sides..

My husband was told he had the beginning of CSVD when he had his first stroke in 2015 but he had problems with insufficient blood supply to spine as a child so don't know if the CSVD comes from that. He was told to stay hydrated, low fat diet and low salt (watch cholesterol & BP), and exercise (brisk walking at a min) at least 30 min daily. We were told there is no "cure" but with diligence it can be managed. I would like for him to watch things closer but he seems to be fine. Yes, glasses definitely would help with eye strain as well as avoiding too much screen time with electronic devices. If you can get in with a Neuro-Opthamologist they have been the most helpful in keeping his eyes healthy.

maybe you need to wear glasses - most people over 50 do. you might find the properly prescribed glasses would hep a lot - apart from which the optician woul by able to answer any questions you have, I hope this helps.

Hi, I was diagnosed with csvd 3 years ago. I had an episode of off balance, dizziness, lose of bladder a nd bowel, heavy sweating, diagnosed with having had a stroke. I feel at this point it's effected my everyday life. At the time I was shocked with it...but now, I am tired, lack of energy, off balance, very sore eyes as well now. Also heart palpitations ...I think it's worsening...At the 3 rdyear point. Up to last year I was walking 35 miles a week. Chopped a nd stacked my own wood.. Now I am weak...it's frightening. How do you keep going with this.

Hi Sally,
My symptoms are very similar to yours, with some memory problems and TIA's as well. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do about it as your doctor stated. My neurologist said "you can't rotoroot your brain". Exercise is probably the best thing, exercising your body AND your brain. Hopefully the additional brain cell death and lacunar strokes cause by CSVD will not be too rapid and you'll be able to enjoy life for a long time. Good luck!

I am on a statin, high blood pressure pills , an aspirin a day, my heart is erratic, I fire very easily, and am losing interest in everything. Altho my cardiologist is ordering nuclear testing, she feels the disease is progressing and there is little probably can be done. I'm looking for any input from anyone. Dizzy spells and off balance has become a problem....anyone have any symptoms like this.

Hi Amanda, I was diagnosed 3 years ago after a stroke, I am on a statin, blood pressure pills and an aspirin . I was extremely active person . Chopping and stacking my yearly wood for win t we , shovelling, walking 2 .5 miles first thing in the morning and a t supper. Taking care of family members that are high stress.

Hello @sally12345 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear of your decline.

Members such as @alabast0552 who recently joined this discussion as well as @keithl56 and @angelicscripts may be able to come in and share more with you about their journey.

What sort of treatment plan are you on, if any?

I have this. I was diagnosed after I had a stroke. I am hav I am having a difficult time as well with balance and dizzy spells, heart palpitations, very effectiveness rate, blood pure problems. I think my disease is progressing. I was walking 35 miles at least a week. Now I can get light headed and be done any activity.

I would be very interested in research such as SRINT re cerebral microvascular disease. I have no risk factors other than hypertension which has worsened since my diagnosis 1 1/2 yrs ago. I have no cognitive issues, but I want to be proactive. I am 70 yrs old, on no meds except for my hypertension and vitamins and meds for anxiety. Cholesterol, weight etc are not elevated. I have always been health conscious, and this is frustrating. I exercise (usually walk almost an hour a day), do not smoke, eat low fat low cholesterol and low sugar.
Is there any study that could help me and others who are at low risk yet have white matter lesions? My MRI report described my lesions as extensive in both cerebral hemispheres. My neurologist reported them as " several white matter lesions mostly subcorticol and periventricular in nature occasional white matter changes. I would appreciate any result studies with recommendations that I can actually do in addition to exercise. (nutrition, supplements, etc) My B/P range for the last week has been 150/80. I am on Losartan 100 in AMs and Toprol 25 mg at night.
Thank you for any advice..