Double vision

[Karen]

I was recently diagnosed with an epidermoid on the brain stem.  
The doctor also had me go through a complete eye exam at that time which was only 2-3 months ago & my vision was 20/20.  The only thing noted was dry eye & some growths on the whites of the eye that they said was nothing to worry about.  

About a month ago, with my near vision I started experiencing something that I can only call a type of double vision.  I see 1/2 of the image repeated directly above the object.  It is clear but faint. Since it was only with the near vision I dismissed it as aging eyes, I'm 43 & wear reading glasses.

Then 4 days ago I started experiencing the same thing with my distance vision. A billboard will have 1/2 of the image repeated directly above it.

It was quite upsetting at first as I assumed it meant that the  epidermoid was actively growing.  However the image is still there when I cover either eye.  Wouldn't that be monocular diplopia?  Meaning it's not from the growth on my brain stem?

FYI...the Drs. have talked of epidermoids being congenital in nature &  have said it could have been there 15-20 yrs. ago. They seemed have seemed disbelieving when I told them it wasn't there 10yrs ago.  Back then a Dr., because of my migraines, said he thought I may have a tumor & I went to the hospital for a scan, nothing was found. Plus I've had a lot of testing done & there's no other explaination for my symptoms (the migraines ceased approx. 5yrs ago).  This time I made the appointment with the Neurologist myself as I felt something was wrong.

I live in a small area so the appropriate medical practioners are very limited.  I've had to do some travel, ie Mayo clinic. At the Mayco the Neurologist didn't show up for the apptmt. & I ended up being placed with a Neuro-pychiatrist. Does a type of professional normally see patients in this capacity & diagnose, etc?  I've wondered about this & if this person was qualified.  If they have the same education & experience when why the 2 different titles?  

Thanks so much in advance for your input.  
Karen

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Karen:

Sorry to hear about your problem.  I think I would revisit the Mayo Clinic and see a neuro-opthalmologist.  It might very well be that your epidermoid tumor has grown alittle and is affecting the nerve that controls up and down eye movement.  Yes, epidermoids are congenital but they can grow and cause problems.  We do see these occasionally.  They are really sticky type tumors (meaning difficult to remove from the structures they surround).  Be sure to take your MRI films with you, if you have a copy or have them sent to the neuro-opthalmologist if you don't have copies.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Judy]

I too have double vision in both eyes just like Karen's. It came on overnight when I was 15 (I'm now 35). I have seen several opticians who couldn't find anything wrong but one said it is a form of double astigmatism. This makes sense as far as the symptom goes but why would this have happened so suddenly? I have learned to live with it and tell people I have 40/40 vision. Should I seek another opinion?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Judy:

Actually, there is no such thing as 40/40 vision. I would worry about someone telling you about a problem with your vision if they give you that sort of information. Vision is based on 20 feet, so is you see 20/20 then you have normal vision.  I would see a neuro-opthalmologist.  Bilateral diplopia is not normal and could indicate a worrisome thing, but you have also had this condition for a very long time without bad problems.  Anyway, I would see the neuro-opthalmologist.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Judy]

Thanks for the advice. I'm sorry you didn't get my English sarcastic comment about 40/40 vision. It's just a joke - 20/20 doubled - not hilarious - but there's no harm in humour when talking about one's afflictions. I'll see if i can get to see a neuro-opthalmologist.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Judy:

Sorry that I didn't get the joke.  Most people on this forum do not use humor in their postings, so I tend to take most things as serious.

CCF Neuro MD