Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, commonly called CADASIL, is an genetic condition that causes stroke and other impairments. CADASIL affects blood flow in small blood vessels, particularly in the brain. An abnormality in the muscle cells surrounding the blood vessels (vascular smooth muscle cells) gradually destroys these cells. The resulting blood vessel damage can lead to migraines and other impairments of normal brain function. As time progresses, the damaged blood vessels can cause reduced blood flow to various tissues in the body (called ischemia). Although the severity of symptoms varies, affected people typically have more than one stroke in their lifetime. Recurrent strokes can progressively damage the brain, causing dementia.
CADASIL is not associated with the common risk factors for stroke and heart attack, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol; however, some affected people might also have these health problems.
For more information on CADASIL, you can visit the AccessDNA website. Also, we recommend that your husband and his family meet with a neurologist for evaluation. If you have any children with your husband, they should also be evaluated. In most cases, an affected person inherits the mutation from an affected parent. His family may also benefit from meeting with a medical geneticist. You can find a medical geneticist at the American College of Medical Genetics website. We wish you all the best.
I have had 2 years of various neuological symptoms. After several tests and MRIs, they and going to perform the test for Cadasil. I am 48. I am slowly getting weak, head issues, depression, spine problems and others. I should know in about 6 weeks.
Thank you for answering my post on the Cadasil I do note that the date was entered wrong. It was 2002 -03 the researse was done. Yes my husband and Mother in law have been seen by Neurologists. He was just interested in any new info out there. Our two sons will be tested , tho we were told at that time not necessary until they reach 30 yrs of age ? Saronq