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Neurology (Expert Forum)
pseudo tumor cerebri/ chiari/ LP shunt
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pseudo tumor cerebri/ chiari/ LP shunt
by jwebs, Nov 18, 2006 12:00AM
I wanted to add after reading some of the other forums. My son is not over weight and when diagnosed with PTC in '99 was very thin. He was getting over a terrible viral infection and was hospitalized with IV antibiotics '99. His vision had become crossed and blurring occured and only after seeing several doctors: peds, neurologist, optomotrist, ER each saying he was fine and sent home with an eye patch/glasses/and wait and see approach. This did not sit well with me so I did alot of searching and had his eyes dilated for a second time in which they saw the increased pressure on his optical nerve and at that point he could go blind at any minute I was told. We rushed him to the ER were they gave him a spinal tap and the pressure shot over and onto the floor. So this is why I am concerned about still finding the next step to take and that I will not miss anything. And I so want to rule out the chiari. Even though they feel he does not have it on the CT. Thank you for you time.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Dec 07, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
As mentioned in the previous post, some PTC is caused by decreased reabsorption of CSF (sometimes viral/bacterial infection can clog and scar arachnoid granulations- the site where CSF returns to the blood) or venous clots. The MRI with CINE flow study will help assess this, and I would also add an MRV (magnetic resonance veno-gram) to assess for venous clots. Your son should also have formal visual fields tests to look for scotomas (blind spots), that can be caused by papiledema. If blind spots are found, he may require a surgery called optic nerve fenestration to prevent further visual loss.
I hope this has been helpful.
As mentioned in the previous post, some PTC is caused by decreased reabsorption of CSF (sometimes viral/bacterial infection can clog and scar arachnoid granulations- the site where CSF returns to the blood) or venous clots. The MRI with CINE flow study will help assess this, and I would also add an MRV (magnetic resonance veno-gram) to assess for venous clots. Your son should also have formal visual fields tests to look for scotomas (blind spots), that can be caused by papiledema. If blind spots are found, he may require a surgery called optic nerve fenestration to prevent further visual loss.
I hope this has been helpful.
Nancee