What might cause microvascular ischemia in brain of 39 year old?

[DiniSwerve]

A recent MRI taken of my brain to r/o tumor that may be causing mild unilateral hearing loss discovered two incidental findings.  The first, borderline Chiari malformation with ectopy of 3.5-4 mm, which I am not very concerned about.  However, I am concerned that several tiny areas of nonspecific hemispheric white matter high signal with was stated to likely be resultant from microvascular ischemia.  What do you think the potential causes might be in a relatively healthy 39 year old?  I understand that this is generally a finding of the elderly.  How harmful do you think these may be, espcecially regarding cognition? Just how worried should I be?  The ENT said not to worry, but of course, I am being referred to a neurologist.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Microvascular ischemia can occur not only in elderly there are other risk factors also. These include smoking, chronic alcoholism, obesity, high cholesterol and high BP.
It is possible you may be having one of these risk factors. Please get your BP checked and blood cholesterol levels checked.
Generally tiny areas of white matter changes do not affect cognition. However if the condition continues to progress it may impair the thought process.
Hope this helps!

[DiniSwerve]

Thank you so much.  I do not have any of the risk factors you listed, I have extremely low cholesterol, don't smoke, consume alcohol moderately, have normal to low BP and am IBW.  I'll be very interested to hear what the neurologist says when he sees my MRI and has a more thorough look see.  

[rugby_girl]

Hi,

I'm Sorry to hear of your concerns. There are a couple of things worth considering. Firstly, do you suffer with migraines and also look up PFO or Patent Foramen Ovale  as this may also be a relevant factor.
You dont need to be old to have problems of this sort, I also have low cholesetrol and ok blood pressure, yet I had an Ischemic stroke november 07, and I still have no firm idea of what caused it other than the above mentioned.
I hope this helps.
Rugby_girl

[rugby_girl]

Ps, I was 41 at the time of my stroke
rugby_girl