Pseudo tumor cerebri

In a posting on this forum in the last 2-3 days I said that the cause of pseudo-tumor cerebri (also known as benigh intracranial hypertension) is unknow. I forgot to mention that while that is the case for most people there are some cases that are due to medications. These are some that might cause the problem:   Acutane, oral steroids, too much Vitamin A, tetracycline type antibioctics, synthroid, growth hormone, oral contraceptives, lithium, hormone replacement and nitrogycerine.

The problem is more common in over-weight females and a common symptom is loss of vision in both eyes on changing position (this can also be due to  orthostatic hypotension [low blood pressure].   Besides responding to Diamox the problem often gets much better with major weight reduction.

JCH III MD

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

______________________

[phathead]

I was diagnosed with pseudo-tumor cerebri by my opthamologist, and was just recently taken off Diamox after 2 years.  I am starting to have the very loud whooshing noise in my ears again.  My concern is I have only had 1 MRI and 1 Spinal Tap to check the spinal fluid pressure.  And now no medicine and no knowledge of the progress.  Would I get any relief from a chiropractic adjustment or should I see a Neurologist.  My husband and I are getting very frustrated.  I am in Weight Watchers and losing weight but what do I do until then.
Anxiously Waiting For Answers
Phathead

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You need to contact the physician that is managing your Diamox whether it is the Eye MD or your neurologist and get back in for a re-exam and a look at your optic nerves.

A chiropractor would be not only worthless but possibly dangerous with increased pressure in your head.  

You probably need to go back on diamox

JCH III MD

[UmFathia]

I was diagnosed with PTC in 1998, when I was 15. I was told by my regular hospital that I had the Flu. I had severe headaches & sick stomach. After 3 ER visits in 2 weeks, I was only getting worse. Memorial Day of '98, I experienced double vision & temporary blindness. My mother then took me to a different hospital where the diagnosed me with PTC. They said they believe it was from taking Lithium for a year. I had 37 spinal taps within 4 months until getting the PTC under control with Diamox & Lasix. After a year, I stopped the meds without problems. Then in early 2003, out of nowhere, the symptoms began again. After 3 spinal taps, with measurements of well over 70cc each time, the Dr decided I needed a shunt. I chose to have a VP shunt because I wanted to have children. The VP shunt would cause less problems during pregnancy. I had my shunt placed in Oct '03 and suprisingly became pregnant in Jan. '04. I now have 4 beautiful, healthy children. The VP shunt does come with complications during pregnancy, especially towards the end. The bigger the baby gets, it can sometimes bend the tube that goes to into the abdomen. When that happens, the fluid builds up. But it can be helped with Diamox. I am now having a problem with my shunt. Whether it needs to be revised or an easy fix is still to be seen. I did notice, however, I have had increased headaches since using my bluetooth headset. Not sure if it is the cause or not.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Thanks you for sharing your experieince. JCH MD