pseudotumor cerebri

[arhinehart]

I'm 25 and have been  diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri. My head hurts me constently without relief from OTC meds or the pain killers my dr. prescribed to me. I go next week to a neuro-ophthalmologist. I've already had MRI's and MRV performed. A aweful spinal tap was performed also. My pressure was at 500. I am slightly overweight. I've been trying to loose weight for a while no with no avail. I'm highly alergic to sulfa drugs wich is what they perscribe people with PTC. Any ideas about what they might be able to do to relieve some of the pain and nausa. I'm also allergic to phenergan so they usually give me zofran or nothing at all. My head feels like someone has a rubberband tied around the bottom of my skull and it gets tighter and tighter when i cough or bend or anything really. My vision is blurring out alot now and my eyes are starting to hurt also. I'm kind of scared at the idea of having a shunt but I'll try anything to get some relief. Any info on what i can expect will be awesome. Thanks alot and have a blessed day!

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

A shunt may be your best answer.  Weight loss also seems to help a great deal, so keep trying.  If you are having transient blackouts or blurring of vision, the shunt is important to preserve vision, and will also help with the headaches.  

[arhinehart]

thanks Dr. doreen.. I was afraid of that. I'm actually pretty scared. I've only had my tonsiles out and a tubal so i have not had alot of experience wiht surgary.