Hello,
Thank you so much for the reply!
Just one follow-up:
My father saw a Cardiologist and a Neurologist over the past two days. After looking at the CT-scan of the brain(report and the negatives) and examining his work-up from the Glaucoma Specialist, they both said that he is fine and does not need any further tests as it relates to lacunar infarcts or an ultrasound of the neck to check for blood clots. The reasons given were that his blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar values and body weight are normal and that he has an active lifestyle and lacunar infarcts were due to his age.
I wanted to know if it would be wise to talk to another cardiologist and ask for the ultrasound of the neck(to rule out blood clots)?
Thank you!!
Zent
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.
Without the ability to obtain a history from you and examine you, I can not comment on a formal diagnosis or treatment plan for your symptoms. However, I will try to provide you with some information regarding this matter.
To begin with, I suggest that he see a neurologist. It would be important to look at the CT and examine him to ensure there are no neurological deficits. Sometimes, there are “plaques” in the same region which can be clinically silent. These plaques are due to what is called "chronic small vessel disease", literally meaning diseased small vessels that supply blood flow to the brain. This is not an uncommon process in the brain and increases with age. This is not a disease in and of itself but rather is a reflection of unhealthy blood vessels, damaged by years of plaque build-up. This is most often due to a combination of several factors including the following: high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. If these factors are well controlled, the damage to the brain can be stabilized and further damage prevented. However, if it was truly a stroke, finding the cause (such as what was the clot from the heart?) and preventing future strokes is important. Having a stroke does put a person at risk of having another. Again, I suggest your father see a neurologist in addition to his other physicians.
Thank you for using the forum, I hope you find this information useful, good luck.