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Eye Care Archive (Expert Forum)
tunnel vision, square wave ?????
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tunnel vision, square wave ?????
by chick1, Feb 05, 2007 12:00AM
Hi, I have been experiencing increasing frequent dull headache(lower back of head, neck) with pressure/pain behind eyes for six months. (kinda feels like eyeballs are being pushed out of my head, and it hurts to turn my eyes)a couple of months ago started having mild to moderate dizziness ( sudden shift or turn, kinda floaty feel)....., I experienced an "episode" of tunnel vision, lasting maybe 10-15 seconds. only once. I have since had several instances of a quick, jerky, side to side vision (last only a second, really fast). Saw ophthalmologist, he said my eyes seemed fine, said my symptoms are from the CNS, and specifically mentioned "brainstem" and called it "square wave" Nystagmus?????.
Not sure what to make of it, could this be serious?
He insist I see Neuro, he has even sent letter. Could this be serious? Not really sure if this is really necessary, but,... I have made appt. to see Neuro.
Can you give any info or advice,
Not sure what to make of it, could this be serious?
He insist I see Neuro, he has even sent letter. Could this be serious? Not really sure if this is really necessary, but,... I have made appt. to see Neuro.
Can you give any info or advice,
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-OD-MP, Feb 05, 2007 12:00AM
yes. it is possible that this is serious.
congenital nystagmus is not emergent. its from obviously congenital neurological/developmental defects.
but ACQUIRED nystagmus (which is what it sounds like you could have been diagnosed with) implies ACQUIRED neurological damage. possibly from tumor, aneursym, MS, metabolic disorders, toxicity, many more.
you definitely need a neuro exam. could be benign, but could also be very serious. no one will know until/unless you have a full workup.
congenital nystagmus is not emergent. its from obviously congenital neurological/developmental defects.
but ACQUIRED nystagmus (which is what it sounds like you could have been diagnosed with) implies ACQUIRED neurological damage. possibly from tumor, aneursym, MS, metabolic disorders, toxicity, many more.
you definitely need a neuro exam. could be benign, but could also be very serious. no one will know until/unless you have a full workup.
