Hi there, I am new to the community and just read your message (from 2007, I believe). I was recently diagnosed with Cadasil, am 34 year old female from California. My dad has a major stroke last Nov.

Did your brother ever go to the Mayo Clinic? Any new information available to you or you family? Did you yourself get tested?

My family members are choosing to be tested for these reasons:

1. It's essential to be on the correct medicine, pre or post stroke. Many medications that are used in stroke care are contraindicated (bad) for Cadasil patients - namely, TPA (this is the shot given within 3 hours of onset of stroke to reverse symptoms), and Coumadin, an anticoagulent. Both of these medications can cause microbleeds in the brains of Cadasil patients, since the small blood vessels are already fragile. Anti-platelet medications, not anti-coagulents, are the appropriate medications. Most doctors don't know this about Cadasil, since it's so rare. (My dad was on the wrong medication for 5 months.)

2. Also, if one does have Cadasil, at least he/she can begin an aspirin regime or other medication to help prevent (or delay) strokes in the future. I'm currently on 325 mg aspirin, however, my doctor wants me to start Aggrenox.

Blessings to you and your family.
Carla