Am I endanger of a stroke?

[ChristieN]

Should I pursue a further neurological work-up? A MRI Brain Scan w/without contrast taken a month ago revealed a left perietal venous angioma along with chronic white matter periventricular ischemic changes more prominent on the left than the right. There is also a focus of deep white matter in the posterior left frontal region. My primary care physician told me there is damage and narrowing of  the arteries; prescribed Zocor, diet, exercise and blood tests. I am 62-years old, a nonsmoker or drinker. I do take Lamictal/Klonopin for bipolar 2. My mother died of a stroke at age 69 (smoker). My maternal grandmother also had a stroke. I am very concerned.

[ChristieN]

Thank you for your assessment is ischemic damage reflected on my brain scan. I have read the side effects of zocor because I am already experiencing several side effects from Lamictal. Are there any natural medications I could use as an alternative? I have low blood pressure and my cholesterol levels are slightly over the normal range.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I can appreciate your concern. From your MRI findings of brain it is evident that you have suffered ischemic damage which makes you more at risk of stroke. However if you modify your dietary habits, do regular physical exercise and keep your BP and sugar levels in control the risk of stroke will be reduced.
Please follow the advice of your PCP and get all the blood tests done, take zocor regularly to keep your cholesterol levels under control.
Hope this helps!