If not hypertension then what...

  Hello,
I have been reading this forum for the past week.

I have learned a lot here such as common findings on an MRI and common symptoms that cause needless worry. For that I do feel much better so thank you for offering this place.

I am a healthy 39 yr/Female.
My lab work all came back fine. My cholesterol level is 36 (doctor said that was great)
Non smoker-do not drink, exercise.

As a child I did get migraines with aura, vomiting and so on. Stared when I was in 6th grade until around the age of 20. I was unable to control any of them, meaning I was taking to the hospital and giving a shot of demurral so that I could sleep them off.
Note:  they did slow down after the age of 12.

Sine the age of 22 I have started having chronic headaches (most every day). They are always the right side of my head from the very back of my head up to my eye. I do have severe vertigo on occasion that will last hours are all day (but this only happens a few times a year)
Note: I have not had a true migraine side the age of 22.

Years ago I had my eyes checked, a CT (1992), and saw a dentist. Nothing was abnormal.

My headaches have gotten worse throughout the years but I treat them as a daily part of my life. I do not abuse meds hence possible rebound headache.

During a recent physical, my doctor asked me to describe my headaches. Concerned, he ordered an MRA and MRI. The MRA came back normal. The MRI found (based on my research - it seems normal) but my doctor is concerned mainly because of my age and my headaches.

Anyway, I have found all of these below to be somewhat normal based on my research and my history of migraines. What I am confused by is the "Microvascular ischemic change" _for my age_.

. Subtle periventricular lucency consistent to small vessel disease. (I heard this was a normal sign of those with migraine history)
. Couple of foci of Microvascular ischemic change suspected within the right subcortical white matter.

My doctor basically explained that there seems to be something blocking adequate blood flow in a certain area which could be the cause of these daily headaches.

Am I at risk of stroke considering I do not have high blood pressure?

I do have an appointment to see a Neurologist next week. I am just hoping to find some more info to ease my mind a bit.

Thank you.

[bonnielo]

You're the first person who has used the terms,. Subtle periventricular lucency consistent to small vessel disease. (I heard this was a normal sign of those with migraine history)  Couple of foci of Microvascular ischemic change suspected within the right subcortical white matter.
My doctors don't know whats wrong with me (1 year now)...but say that I have microvascular disease and mentioned white matter and that I had small strokes at some time or another. I get sick like the flu if I do tasks requiring more than one thing going on at a time...cooking, shopping, filling out forms.;.on computer more than 15 minutes. If I ignore my feeling it gets worse. I can't work. I've been dizzy, nauseated, pressure in head for most of the past 2 days. getting worse as time goes on. I do best when alone and following a simple routine...bathe, get dressed, eat.
Keep  me posted...hope you're better.
-Bonnie