Three brain lesions, mitral valve prolapse and high blood pressure without a diagnosis

[sistinabee]

I am a 52 year old woman that was diagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse seven years ago. Three years ago I went in to see my physician as I was having terrible vertigo. I underwent an MRI and was never told of anything abnormal. I was referred to ENT and they prescribed valum for an inner ear problem. Six months ago I began having terrible pain in my neck. Often shooting pain down my arms and occasionally my legs. The area of my neck is also numb and the numbness has traveled to the back of my head. This is primarily on my left side. Along with the pain, numbness, fogginess, and fatigue I also have difficulty swallowing, times of confusion and ringing in my ear. Furthermore, my eye sight has deminished rapidly in the last 3 years.  I went to see my primary care physician and he immediately ordered a stat MRI. At this visit my blood pressure was slightly high. The MRI showed 3 large brain lesions. I was referred to a neurologist to look at the possibility of MS. The neurologist does not think it is MS but because of my history of smoking (36 years) thinks it may be small strokes. I have an upcoming MRI of my neck and MRA of my brain. My blood pressure at my last visit was 165/100. Are these things all connected: the lesions, blood pressure, mitral valve prolapse? Are they indicative of a stroke or another known disease?  What questions should I ask the neurologist?  

[Cleveland Clinic]

While your blood pressure is elevated it is hard for it alone to explain your neurological symptoms. Mitral valve prolapse is a very common disorder and does not usually cause neurological symptoms either unless accompanied by severe mitral regurgitation ad atrial fibrillation, which I assume you don't have.
I would make sure that someone gives you a definitive answer as to what the brain lesions are exactly, because these seem to be the most likely causes of your symptoms.