seizure in pseudotumor cerebri

[chloy]

My sister had her first seizure last night.  She is obese, hypertension and RA.  She is on multiple meds for each condition with a new one added in the last three weeks.  Enbrel.  She was diagnosed years ago with pseudotumor cerebri, but has not had any trouble with it as far as anyone knows.  Could this new seizure be due to a recurrence of PTC?  She does have an appt. with a neurologist tomorrow, but am just curious.  Thank you for your quick response.

[chloy]

He there,
I talked to my sister and she said the neurologist wants to do an EEG and an MRI.  He said all things totally normal right now as far as the blood work, and said since she had a seizure there is a 50 percent it will happen again.  He doesn't know why so far.  He doesn't think it was a drug reaction, so it is a wait and see game now.  She wasn't impressed with this neurologist.  She said he looked like he was 12.  hahahaha.  I know she is very nervous.  Can't drive now until there is a diagnosis.  I feel bad for her.  Just wanted to let you know.

Chloy

[chloy]

Very informative.  Thank you for the information for sure.  No I didn't go with her, but should be hearing something from her any minute now.  She had a new battery of blood tests yesterday so that hopefully will tell something.  Will keep you posted.  Thank you for all your advice and information.

Chloy

[Carol in PA]

Chloy,
Are you going to the appointment with your sister?
You should ask the neurologist if your sister may have Cushing's Syndrome.

Risk factors
The following factors have been associated with pseudotumor cerebri:
    * Obesity
    * Medications such as tetracycline, tamoxifen, lithium and corticosteroids
    * Too much vitamin A
    * Cushing's syndrome
    * Underactive parathyroid glands


What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?

Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome vary, but most people with the disorder have upper body obesity, a rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and relatively slender arms and legs.

Other signs appear in the skin, which becomes fragile and thin, bruises easily, and heals poorly.
Purple or pink stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and breasts.
The bones are weakened, and routine activities such as bending, lifting, or rising from a chair may lead to backaches and rib or spinal column fractures.

Women with Cushing’s syndrome usually have excess hair growth on their face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs.
Their menstrual periods may become irregular or stop.

Other common signs and symptoms include
    * severe fatigue
    * weak muscles
    * high blood pressure
    * high blood glucose
    * increased thirst and urination
    * irritability, anxiety, or depression
    * a fatty hump between the shoulders

Sometimes other conditions have many of the same signs as Cushing’s syndrome, even though people with these disorders do not have abnormally elevated cortisol levels.
For example, polycystic ovary syndrome can cause menstrual disturbances, weight gain beginning in adolescence, excess hair growth, and impaired insulin action and diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome—a combination of problems that includes excess weight around the waist, high blood pressure, abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and insulin resistance—also mimics the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

Sources:
http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm#treatment
http://www.ohiohealth.com/bodymayo.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=detail&ref=3203

Let us know what the doctor says.
Wishing you the best,
Carol