Stroke as a rare side effect of GCA and PMR

[Asbeck]

I have read that a Stroke is a rare side effect of GCA and PMR

I have a neuro ophthalmologist. Years ago he started scanning behind my eyes and found a small (not serious) brain tumor. Now I get brain MRIs every 2 years to check on it. Generally all is well. But the MRI person reports things such as: "scattered periventricular, subcortical and corona radiata T2 FLAIR signal abnormalities which are entirely nonspecific but most in keeping with chronic microvascular changes." I have read that some people with GCA/PMR have strokes in some of these areas (subcortical and corona radiata) which doctors have attributed to GCA/PMR. "Microvascular" or at lease vascular changes sounds like something that GCA causes. It's hard reading. But it seems that at least one of these areas can cause big symptoms in movement and another can cause depression. I am OK. At least to me I seem OK. But I was very, very sick for 8 months before I was diagnosed. Many of us talk about brain fog. In the past I had some problems transposing numbers on various tax returns. I'm not as happy as I used to be, but our disease hurts and changes our lives. Does anyone know anything about this? I'm wondering if I should go to a neurologist to talk about this. I have an appointment with a brain surgeon every 2 years, and every year with the neuro ophthalmologist who takes excellent care of me and refers me to specialists regarding GCA related and non-related eye issues, but doesn't talk!!! What do you think?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

These may be of interest:

healthline.com/health/micro...

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

To some extent they are a natural product of aging - we will probably all have the same sort of signs when we get to 90!

I imagine if there was anything of significance there the radiologist would have reported it. There are things you can do to reduce the long term effects - the articles mention them.

By the way - the increased risk of stroke in GCA is in the first year after diagnosis and then the risk is said to fall back again. The microvascular disease is a risk factor for stroke - so particularly important to call 999 if you have any symptoms of stroke so you get the best treatment as soon as possible.

[Asbeck in reply to PMRpro]

As usual, thanks PMRpro. Yes I am reading current and past results of MRIs not performed on account of these abnormalities but on account of the (relatively insignificant brain tumor) and whatever the 1st neuro ophthalmologist was looking for . And after 8 years, I'm feeling much better though would prefer to be well. 😀

[SheffieldJane]

You deserve to have a thorough explanation from the neuro opthalmologist. It is not ethical to leave you with this anxiety. Push for it!