Vertebral arterial stenosis att. kitlyn or anyone interested

[luckyfivetimes]

Finally got a specific diagnosis. Does anyone have this and can they explain further? 2 bouts of migraine,April and xmas lasting 7-8 days, weak legs, nausea. neck discomfoet. originally thought it was the carotid artery but now know it is the vertibral artery that connects the brain to the spine.I am told there is some blockage going to a specialist at Mass Generalend of Jan.Help scared.

[kitlyn]

Exer: ty so much this helped me alot. I will remember what you posted  . I do have mitral valve prolapse too, so i am not sure if it could be my circulation, or arteries. Ty so much again.

[EXERNUT]

Hi-I just wanted to let you know that I was diagnosed with a vertebral blockage about a year ago that was causing some of the blood to flow backwards to my heart instead of going to my brain.  I was prescribed blood thinners to prevent stroke. My doctors assured me that one good vertebral artery was enough to get enough blood to your brain. I was told that this surgery is extremely dangerous because of the location, so doctors will always try to get blood flowing with medication if at all possible.  My blockage has since opened enough to where the blood is at least flowing in the correct direction so I do not have to worry about surgery--at least any time soon.  

I have back aches almost daily & get a headache probably once every week or two.  I also had a lot of numbness throughout my body that just never seems to go away--they are still trying to figure that part out--but they do not believe that it is related to the blockage.

I am not sure if this is helpful, but try to remember that surgery is a last resort & your doctor will discuss that with you if medicine isn't working & there is no other option.

Good luck!!

[Annie62]

I don't think the Cleveland Clinic is associated any longer with the hospital in Naples.  I checked it out about four months ago with the possibility of going there for a neuro consult, but I read online that CCF was no longer associated with the Naples hospital.  There is one, though, on the east coast of Florida in the Palm Beach area, I believe.

[Annie62]

I don't think the Cleveland Clinic is associated any longer with the hospital in Naples.  I checked it out about four months ago with the possibility of going there for a neuro consult, but I read online that CCF was no longer associated with the Naples hospital.  There is one, though, on the east coast of Florida in the Palm Beach area, I believe.

[luckyfivetimes]

Thank you for your positive responses. I hope I am elegible for a stent or angioplasy although i would assume this to be dangerous surgery. My mind wanders because if they just treat this blockage with coumadin it will be because surgery is not an option.
I also have a blockage in my left main coronary artery. I have been taking coated aspirin and metaprolol for that. I was scared enuf over that issue but now this.
I hope they get my diagnosis right. My friend says some of my symptoms mimic MS. I had polio as a child. I was one of the lucky people. I just have muscle damage in my right arm and hand.
I have had alot of back pain also.
When I look up vertebral stenosis I don't see headaches as a symptom? I went for a second mri/mra 2 days ago. i will be bringing them with me to Mass General
TU
Mary

[kitlyn]

HI  Lucky: It said on my MRI of brain study that my vertebral artery was not visible and possibly MRA is noted. I was thinking of the possibilitys of this beinga  blockage also. Past stress tests of heart all normal, but not sure of my neck. I am sorry thye found this. But at least they have found something as you can get treatment. Do you have a good DR. to turn too? I am geting ready to and get second series of MRIs of brain.. i hate getting it , and last time i had chest pain after gadelonium was adminstered. But the tech said i was fine..it only lasted briefly but scary. Sorry for rambling. I hope you feel better. I ge tweakness in legs, and faintness etc. Its so awful not knowing for me. Keep in t K

[Anxiety]

I can only say this to you - as an original New Englander - I always felt better with myself or a family member at MG or Brigham and Womens.  They have the best people.  I just learned this is a new Cleveland Clinic about 50 miles south of me in Naples, Florida.