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What Causes Small Vessel Ischemic Disease?
Question: My brain CT scan indicated that I has small vessel ischemic disease and my MRI identified Nonspecific signal abnormalities periventricular and subcortical white matter. I am 52 years old. Are either of these anything to worry about?
Brief Answer:
happens with aging, high BP, diabetes, cholesterol,smoking
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Ischemic means reduced blood supply. The CT scan indicates that in some of the smaller blood vessels of the brain there was a reduction in blood supply.
This slight reduction in blood supply are likely the cause of the MRI changes as well.
This can occur with aging but also occurs if there is a history of any or all of the following: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, inactivity and increased weight.
It is a common finding with age or with any of the above condition.
If there are further changes or it becomes wide spread then this can lead to problems such as memory loss, change in cognition (ability to think, remember and reason).
At present, you may not experience any symptoms.
Control of the risk factors mentioned (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, smoking and activity) would reduce the chance of any further problems.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
happens with aging, high BP, diabetes, cholesterol,smoking
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Ischemic means reduced blood supply. The CT scan indicates that in some of the smaller blood vessels of the brain there was a reduction in blood supply.
This slight reduction in blood supply are likely the cause of the MRI changes as well.
This can occur with aging but also occurs if there is a history of any or all of the following: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, inactivity and increased weight.
It is a common finding with age or with any of the above condition.
If there are further changes or it becomes wide spread then this can lead to problems such as memory loss, change in cognition (ability to think, remember and reason).
At present, you may not experience any symptoms.
Control of the risk factors mentioned (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, smoking and activity) would reduce the chance of any further problems.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is this the type of condition which is likely to progress or is it possible that it will not get worse. I do suffer from migraines and have high blood pressure which is now controlled with medication.
Brief Answer:
only with aging but may not be significant
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is possible that it would not progress or worsen in significantly.
If you continue to control your blood pressure and any other risk factors mentioned if they are present (diabetes, smoking, cholesterol, weight) then it is not likely to worsen significantly.
Remember as we age, there would be continuous small changes but this would be minimal once you control all of the other risk factors.
Age related change may not be significant
Please feel free to ask any other questions
only with aging but may not be significant
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is possible that it would not progress or worsen in significantly.
If you continue to control your blood pressure and any other risk factors mentioned if they are present (diabetes, smoking, cholesterol, weight) then it is not likely to worsen significantly.
Remember as we age, there would be continuous small changes but this would be minimal once you control all of the other risk factors.
Age related change may not be significant
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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