very scared

[bloomie8910]

I was just diagosed with convergence insufficiency  by a specialist.  I had double vision after waking up from sleep.  It only lasts for 5 seconds.  I've gotten used to it.  I did exercises and he said that it was getting better.  Now, I have developed a phantom smell.  It smells like old hair products.  It comes and goes.  I am reading too much on line and getting terrified.  I have been through a great deal of stress lately with having to move my 91 year old father to an assisted living place.  I don't have headaches or other symptoms, but those two mentioned are really scaring me.  I know I should have an MRI, but I hate them.  I am going to call for an appointment this week.  The smell thing has been going on for about 4 months.  The CI has been around for about 2 years.  I am going to an ENT this week and I'm sure he will send me on to a neurologist.  What are your thoughts?

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Noticing odd smells can indicate a brain tumor, so I agree with the MRI.  The convergence insufficiency does not worry me as much.  I hope the specialist you saw was an ophthalmologist, preferably one who specializes in motility disorders (strabismus).  MRIs are not pleasant because of the noise and confined space.  Ear plugs and a mild sedative can help.  Bring someone with you to drive if you choose to have a sedative, but do get the MRI.

[bloomie8910]

Since I wrote the first letter, I have had a friend sitting next to me and she smelled me and described it perfectly, so I am feeling better.  I'm still going to talk to the doctor though.  Thanks for the response.