Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

[snowball1414]

How can you tell if you have permanent injuries from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?  If you still have problems several months after expose, will the problems be permanent?  Such as headaches, confusion, eye problems, chest pain. Also, can Carbon Monoxide Poisoning cause problems with your eyes, such as Optic Disc Drusen, or make this condition worse?  Thanks

[PrestonM]

I had recently read your post on the effects of carbon monoxide regarding a drusen issue.  I have had some exposure to carbon monoxide and was recently told my drusen had gotten worse.  I have a theory about why this has happened.  I also had severe pain in one eye and pressure that lasted for two weeks.  I noticed your post is several years old and I was wondering how you are doing now.  

[carbonmonosurvivor]

I had carbon monoxide poisoning 11 years ago for 8 months straight. It has left me chronically ill to say the least. My cns is messed up along with my autonomic nervous system. You can have lasting effects even from short exposure they are finding out.

[bobbie0]

Q: what is deposition proteins, will you specify? Please.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Optic nerve drusen is a genetic disease and occurs due to deposition of proteins and hyaline bodies in the optic nerve resulting in swelling of the optic disc, papilledema etc. It is more common in Caucasians especially Europeans.
It is not related to carbon mono oxide poisoning.
There can be many causes of severe pain in both eyes. Since you have optic nerve drusen the chances are that the pain is due to raised intraocular pressure due to swelling of the optic disc.
I would suggest you to get an eye exam done at your earliest.

[snowball1414]

Thank you very much for your help!  I never had problems with my eyes before, never worn glasses, now have a lot of problems.  My eye doctor said that I have optic disc drusen.  That is why I was wondering if expose to carbon monoxide caused this, because this was never noted in my eyes before?  Also, have severe pain above both eyes, don't know what is causing that?  Again, thank you for your help

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs due to exposure to the gas. The side effects like headaches, confusion, chest pain etc usually go away after some time if there has been a mild exposure. If there has been an exposure severe enough to cause unconsciousness the chances of delayed sequelae are more.
Carbon monoxide may not directly worsen optic disc drusen, however it does affect the vision and can cause cortical blindness on repeated and continuous exposure.

Hope this helps!