Pseudotumor Cerebri

[Rhonda189]

I'm a 28-year-old female and I've been told that I may have pseudtumor cerebri.  I'm not obese, I'm 5' 3" and weigh 140lbs. I'm currently trying to lose some weight.  I'm taking Diamox 500 mg twice a day, it hasn't signifigantly helped me.  All my brain MRI and c-spine MRIs came out great, no signs of tumor.  The doctor did a  lumbar puncture and he said that my pressure was four times what it should be, my spinal fluid was tested and that came out great.  I still wonder if I have pseudtumor cerebri because I don't have all the symptoms. I don't have any headaches or vomiting.  I don't have double vision.  I do have a lot of inflammation and swelling in my retina, I'm very concerned about going blind. I have tingling really bad in my legs and also in my facial area.  I want to know if anyone else out there has these same symptoms or If theres a doctor out there that can help sort this out? Is pseudotumor cerebri the only neurological disorder that I could have?

[mamita00]

Hi Rhonda, nice to meet you. Sorry it's under such circumstances. That's great that you want to lose weight but it is not a cure, unfortunately,. I guess if you wanted a second opinion it wouldn't hurt but do you doubt or have any misgivings about your doctor?  You don't necessarily have to have all symptoms to have ptc. I knew something was wrong with me because my vision would completely gray when I stood up or bent over so eventually I went to the eye doctor. From there he sent me to the hospital because he had seen the papilledema. Other than that I had no symptoms,  thought. Later came the headaches and what I never realized was a symptom was one, neck pain- intense. Have you talked to your doctor about your concerns? You're your best advocate so don't be afraid to speak up. I hope I helped in some way if you haven't been helped already. Best wishes!         Kim

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Pseudotumor cerebri is also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension and is the most common cause of papilledema which can result in optic atrophy and blindness.
Visual examination will characteristically show hemorrhages and optic atrophy. There is no tumor as such in the brain.
MRI is generally done to rule out other causes of raised intracranial pressure like brain tumors, hydrocephalus and meningitis.
Have you undergone an ophthalmological examination? Please elaborate.