Brain stem lesion in MS

[BeckyStauffer]

My neurologist says I have a lesion on my brain stem that is affecting my path of vision.  It is very hard to explain
my vision problem.  I have given up  my driver's license because I don't feel comfortable driving.  Multiple vision field tests show complete black areas.

My "real" problem is the way I feel.  Rainy days are miserable.  I feel dizzy almost 100% of the time.  I have a 5 year old son and want to sleep/lay down most of the time;  makes it really tough on my husband.  

Had this problem about 2 years now.  Feel pretty good other than vision issue. Have had MS 8 years.  On Tysabri for 17 months.  Have had no effect on vision "problem" but have had no relapses to speak of.  

Does anyone have a similar issue and have you found anything that helps you feel better so getting through day is not so hard?

[daisy110]

i am on tysabri as well, and i have two sons, so i understand what you are talking about. my vision is not hardly that bad. i had the lasix surgery when i first started having problems, it really helped me, but everyone with ms is different. it all depends alot on the location of the lesions and the inflammation in the spinal fluid. i started taking lexapro and welbrutrin to help with the depression and it has helped me.maybe this is something your dr. would consider giving you?? best wishes

[HVAC]

I get your frustration.

I have had double vision in both eyes my whole life and vertigo. I have had damage to my pons most of my life, as well due to MS. I was told the damage to my pons does cause my vision problems by several doctors including several Neuro-opthalmologists. I do not pretend to be an expert or understand this stuff. A Doctor one time got out an anatomy book and showed me why this is and I do not remember what he said. I guess I am lucky because I had no choice but to function with my sight and balance issues since I do not remember being any other way. On top of that I now have optic neuritis.

It was my optometrist last week who suggested prisms. Why all these Neuro-opthalmologists and other experts have never thought of this I do not know. I was amazed for the first time in my life I looked at the same dot with both eyes at the same time. Usually I switch from eye to eye.

Alex

[COBOB]

To the best of my knowledge, there is no visual pathway in the brain stem.  Cranial Nerev1 & 2 are "Cerebellar" and don't have a connection to the pons in the brain stem like Cranial Nerves 3-12.  The optic nerves, optic tracts, optic chiasm and optic cortex are all in the cerebrum.  Damage to CN3 and 6 can effect the movement of the eye or the dilation and contraction of the pupil. Problems with eye movement can cause "vision issues," but these are usually related to double vision.

He may have said the you have a lesion in your brain effecting your vision.  I and several other folks here have Optic Neuritis which is a delmeyinating lesion on one or both of the optic nerves.

Vision has two parts:  The optical part withing the eye that glasses can help fix and the neurological part behind the eye and into the brain that only the body can fix.  There are no drugs to cure optic neuritis.  Studies show that during an acute flair of ON, steroids reduce the inflammation and may speed recovery, but it is the body repairing the damage.

There are some effects that infarcts to the pons and cerebellum can have that alter visual perception, but they are rare and are not related to lesions.  If I were in your shoes, I'd look for a good neuro-ophthalmologist, not a general or MS Neurologist.  Sorting out neurovision issues can take specialized skills and testing.

Bob