Pseudotumor Cerebri

I have a history of migraine headaches. I have "floaters" and what I call "trash" in my vision with or without a headache. Of course it's worse with the headache. I went to a neurologist for Hemifacial Spasms which has since gone away. He did discuss headaches with me and referred me to an Opthalmologist to have my eyes checked. He also gave me a prescription of Relpax, and had an MRI done of my brain which showed several white spots. The eye doctor said my eyes looked okay. The morning after my appointment with the Opthalmologist, I recieved a personal phone call from him. After asking me many questions he wanted to know if my neurologist had spoken to me about pseudotumor. My question: Should I make another appointment with my neurologist sooner? (he wanted to see me again in 6 months to check out the white spots) What are the symptoms of Intracranial Hypertension? Could this be a result of head injuries? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.   Thank you

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Yes, I suggest that you get an immediate consultation with your neurologist so that you may be further evaluated.

Intracranial hypertension may present with headaches in majority of cases. Nausea and vomiting may also be present.Ringing in the ears and visual symptoms are also noted in the case of pseudotumor cerebri.  Papilledema ( involvement of the main nerve to the eye)during ophthamologic examination signals an underlying increase in intracranial pressure.Some medications and blood disorders have been implicated with intracranial hypertension but much of the cause is unknown.

In your case, were there any significant ophthalmologic findings? If your eye doctor is considering pseudotumor cerebri an immediate consult with your neurologist is necessary. A CT Scan or MRI with contrast may be able to help.

In addition, in your case you may discuss with your neurologist if a pseudotumor cerebri as a diagnosis may explain your hemifacial spasms.