confussed

I have headaches since the age of 6. Nothing really helped, in 2006 a doctor prescribed Barbutal, along with elivil. They continued most every day, I was sent for a CT with contrast and an arachnoid cyst was found. I was then sent to the neurologist who added Zoloft and trazadone, but said the cyst was not the cause. I have since stopped all of the med, but I still have headaches, petimal seizures, and list of other crap, but the problen now is that my ability to focus in order to read comes and goes. What do i do?

[selmaS]

Hi...have u ever had a brain MRI?

I would ask for the results of the CT scan u had...and get a 2nd opinion.

Good luck and do keep us posted
"selma"

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Arachnoid cyst around the brain presents with headache, nausea and vomiting, seizures, hearing and visual disturbances, vertigo, and difficulties with balance and walking.  Diagnosis usually involves a brain scan using diffusion-weighted MRI.
There has been active debate about how to treat arachnoid cysts.  Treatment depends upon the location and size of the cyst.  If the cyst is small, not disturbing surrounding tissue, and not causing symptoms, it is left alone and surgery is not indicated. Check with your doctor for proper management. Take care and do keep us posted.

[cherrei]

After the first cat scan I never had anything else done concerning it. We moved often, so all the Dr after that would just refill the Rx and gone on, lack of insurance was one of the reasons I did not persue it for a while. I have mentioned it to several drs in my hometown, even taken my ct images with me to appt. They just seem to ignore me when it comes to that. Why would the neurologist up and add to the meds if there was no problem

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Thanks for the update. If the Ct scan was 4 years ago, you may benefit from a recent scan to see if there are changes on the initial result. Sometimes, if the medications are not working, the dosage is increased  (within normal limits) or combined with another drug for enhanced effect. Moving often is one drawback but it really helps if you have a copy of your records with you or you go back to your initial doctor for follow-up. Hang on and hope to hear from you soon. Best regards.