Do I have Psuedotumor Cerebri or something else?

[2018Med]

I’m currently trying to figure out whether or not I have Psuedotumor Cerebri or something else because of my symptoms. I recently found out that the company that makes the IUD that I’ve been using has a lawsuit because it’s been known to cause Psuedotumor Cerebri or Intracranial Hypertension. The symptoms I currently have are Pulsatile Tinnitus and pressure in the head as well as blurred double vision. I went to see a neurologist I’ve never been to before and she wasn’t willing to do the spinal tap but sent me to my opthalmologist to rule out Papilledema(I’m not sure if I spelled that right) and I am clear of not having that eye problem. I’m going to have an MRI and another test done on my neck and head to check for an aneurysm as well as the blood vessels. Should my neurologist still do the spinal tap whether or not the MRI and the other testing results come back showing something or not? The Neurologist didn’t seem very nice or friendly. I know I have something going on and I hope and pray for accurate results. I don’t like when some drs treat you like you don’t know what you’re talking about and send you on your merry way. What else could my symptoms be coming from if its not Psuedotumor Cerebri? I have a whooshing sound and feel pulsating feeling in my ears with the pressure in my head. My ENT said it’s not coming from my ears.

[specialmom]

Oh good.  Sorry if I missed you are having the MRI in your post.  I hear ya.  It's not a pleasant experience.  I hate the IV. I hate it all. But necessary sometimes.

Anyway, I just want to say that I understand why you are afraid that you have this condition because in reading about it and from what I know, you do seem to have symptoms.  Please keep me updated, okay?  hugs

[2018Med]

Thank you for understanding. I’ll definitelly keep you updated.

[specialmom]

So, the eye test ruled that out as a reason for symptoms which would make me think that the spinal tap is then necessary to diagnose this?  I agree you don't want to do damage but you know . . .  if this is something you now have after your IUD, you need someone willing to treat it.  What about a CT scan? Would they be willing to do that for you?

[2018Med]

I’m getting an MRI done next week. I’m not fond of MRI’s even open MRI’s. I’m claustrophobic unfortunately. I do it to  look out for myself if there is something serious.

[specialmom]

Ya, it's never nice when a doctor does not take symptoms or issues seriously.  Sorry you are feeling like you have to fight for your rights as a patients.  So, okay.  an ENT ruled out inner ear issues.  I have had tinnitus and it was from the ears along with pressure and various other things being sinus related. But you have been told this is not the case for you. Weird question but are you under a lot of stress?  
But you are right.  If you had the mirena IUD, it is associated with Psuedotumor Cerebri .  Why won't the doctor give you the appropriate procedure to determine if you have this? Who volunteers for a spinal tap if it isn't likely to be the condition they want tested for, you know?  So, this does sound like a possibility and frankly, you sound very articulate and educated and have covered your basis in terms of knowing your body and what this condition entails.  So, I think I'd push for the test to determine.  In the mean time, what about drinking extra water to flush your system a bit (as diuretics are sometimes used like Lasix and while extra water isn't going to do 'that' it will help keep your system flushing out, if that makes sense?

[2018Med]

Thanks for your response. Yes I am stressed and I actually like to drink a lot of water. My dr says she doesn’t want to do any damage  by giving me a spinal tap. So basically since my eye exam was normal she’ll probably not be willing to do the spinal tap. I’m wondering if the symptoms I have would be enough to say I have Psuedotumor Cerebri. This is all frustrating to me.