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headache with vertebral arterial stenosis for exernut or anyone

Although the migraine and pressure behind my eyes has gone, i have alot of discomfort at the base of my head when I lay down at night both on the left and right. near the vertebral arteries. i also have these random 2 second pains in temples forehead etc. MRI report said There is most likely stenosis of the intercranial right vertebral artery, potentially high grade.there is decreased visualization of the posterior cerebral arteries which may be artfactual.no other major segment intercranial stenosis or aneurysm is identified.Highfield MRI could provide improved resolution if the patient is willing to tolerate it conclusion probable left vertebral artery stenosis.( i used open air mri)
Finally going to specialit in Boston, Ma General early next week. Hope i get some answers. for treatment. only on aspirin right now. Zetia for cholesterol.metaprolol for heart.
I'm 58 years old and both my parents had strokes. my dad died at 71 from stroke and hemorage. my mother had 3 strokes and passed away from renal disease. I have a blockage in my left main coronary artery which is 50-60% blocked. I definately have some serious stuff goin on. I am overweight now but am losing weight on a strict healthy plan.
I have alot of questions for the neurologist. anyone with similer problems and insight. so worried. just have a new grandson and want to be around for awhile. still want to help my older children out too.
thank you
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Avatar universal
I thought i would tell you , i finally saw my neuro two days ago and he sat down w me ,a nd talked w me about the next tests. He said i could have vasulitis, but that he says MS looks possible too w the location and way spots have diminished, He did also say that if i had  had a stroke or other that a stroke would be visible on MRI report. He doesn;t want me to have any real invasive tests he said rt now, such as lumbar test and any arteriogram . He said that can cause a stroke. He wants me to get  asecond opinion at  another big hosp to see what other tests they can do that are not as invasive.I don't know why./He said vasculitis can causea  brain stroke . I am petrified . I am going to have blood work done this week one is ANCA  . Does that show if its vascular? did you have that one?? Ty again.i hope you are okay. Kit
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Avatar universal
Hi friend: I am very very clausterphobic. MY dad was too, but he was a WWII vet.. i cannot even go into an elevator, but i can fly ..go figure. I have always been very high strung like my father..and i hate this..I could NOT go into the closed MRI ..when this all started ..i thought i was dying.. the weakness was soo great.. It felt as though my body was shutting down.. I almost passed out in summer, and was in bed for a month ..This is how my thing started ..but first  w the extreme head pressure. Anywa.. the DR said that  i should go into the closed ..but he said it was fine after i did the open.. I most likely did the wrong thing..and should have done the closed.I thought surely i had a terminal disease when this started . I still cannot belive how weak etc.. i was ?> I had been ona  strict diet and lost 15 pound s before this happend.. But i had had the burning in legs a few months before that..so i guess that just made me weaker. im sorry i went on but felt that i could identify w you on this . I have friend s who have all gone in closed .. and did fine.. if you take a valium or something if you are allowed to take that  yourself  than thats what some DR's will tell you.. i am kinda of immuned to certain things.. I hope you and i get well soom. I feel like a hopeless burden soemtimes even liftinga  basket of clothes will make me have rt arm weakness, and then my jaw feels weak.. This si all NEW i never was ill like this ever. Peace to you , Kit
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Avatar universal
Hi Kit,
try not to worry. stenosis is blockage. the fact that you can write and think is because you are getting oxygen to the brain so don't worry.if your arteries were entirely blocked i don't think we could be communicating.  try to eat right watch the cholesterol and do what the dr. tells you.
are they still checking for ms? i was trying to reach exernut too because he has been diagnosed with stenosis as well.
wondered how he was doing with the headaches. interesting over xmas my headache was painful and migrainelike but has improved to tolerable. I have pain at temples on and off and on each side of my neck as well.  pain is worse when head on pillow and sleeping. unsure if head causes pressure points.
when i wake up it is much better.I am trying not to worry but even the tests scare me. i don't think i can go into a closed mri. i am so claustrophobic. i will have a panic attack. Any suggestions. Can they put you to sleep. i am not kiddin. i probably will friek out. had hard time with the open air one too. had to be blindfolded.
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Avatar universal
HI lucky , you have been so kind to me to respond , i just read your post. MY MRI report of my brain in open MRI in Sept, also said something similar to yours , verterbral artery unseen or something like that , possible stenosis. I am going in town to neruo tomorrow and going to ask him what that means. He hasn't said anything about me getting vascularm testing, mainly jsut to rule out mS but i am sure that will come. What does stenosis, mean in that context. I don't think i have MS , i am 41. But you never know.  KitHOpe you feel better, i have no children as hubby couldn't give..but do have two little neices i want to be here for too.. I ams cared too  Kit.
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