uneven pupils w/ headache, nasua & head pressure

[worldofamother]

I am a 33yr old Female, otherwise healthy. I have noticed approx 1 month ago my left pupil dilates larger than right. In the past 2 weeks just before the pupil dilates my eye starts to water and I get pressure on the left side of my face particularly by the eye, L ear and L head. It used to only last around 5-30 seconds now it is lasting as long as 11 minutes and the pupil is pulsing. It happens daily along with a headache that will last for a couple hours after the pupil dilates. I also have pain in my throat as the headache progresses with nausea and dizziness. My hands also get cold and sweaty. Here is the weird part. It happens around the same time give or take an hour or so every day! I have seen an Ophthalmologist Phys. thinking it must just be my sight but my eyes are great.  Any ideas. I'm getting very nervous about my symptoms and my appointment w/ a neurologist is 2 wks out.   Should I wait this long?

[Nickie72]

This is some awfully scary information. My suggestion? Do NOT wait for that Neuro appt, and get your butt to the nearest ER! You WILL get a battery of tests to know you're not in immediate danger. With all your symptoms and the fact that you're getting worse is a very bad sign. The greatest thing about going to the ER is that they can't turn you down due to not having insurance, and you can make small monthly payments, and most importantly, save your life.

My apologies if I scared you, but your post scared ME for you. Please take care of yourself and go to the ER. Best of luck to you!

[motion_e]

You see, this is what concerns me because usually Ophthalmoplegic migraines begin to occur in childhood...

If you have insurance or if an ER visit won't set you back too far financially...I would perhaps consider that route.  I really wish there was someone who we could contact in your area to give you more information than I could...like the 24hr line I suggested.

[worldofamother]

I have noticed an abnormal sensation in my eye for approx 3 or so months but only knew or saw the pupil a month ago. The symptoms have progressed over the past 2 1/2 wks. We just recently moved into state and I don't have a primary here. The neuro dept cannot field my call since I have yet to be seen.  

[motion_e]

It is hard for me to make that call about the trip to ER...how long have you had this condition?  Some hospitals provide a call service where you actually get to speak to a nurse who could help you determine if whether or not you should go into their ER...it should be a 24hr service so please check into that.  I would definitely call your neurologist and give them your symptoms ASAP should you decide to not go the ER route.  I am not trying to make you panic...but at the same time I don't want anything to happen to you...so please at least let me know how you are doing?...I would appreciate it.

[worldofamother]

thank you for responding so quickly and I do Love my children; one is only 5 months. They are easily my biggest passion in this life!!!  I don't know what information the neuro has since a report was faxed from the opto's office. Do you think I should call them again and ask what they have on file for symptoms?...... you think this warrants a trip to ER?

[motion_e]

Hi worldofamother...it sounds similar to what you would experience with a Ophthalmoplegic Migraine.  However, you need to get in to your neurologist as soon as you possibly can to be sure that it is not a more serious condition...did you give them these symptoms over the phone?...because it bothers me that they would schedule you two weeks out if you had told them all of what you wrote here.  Pupil dilation on one side could possibly indicate hemorrhaging for instance.  Differential diagnoses for Ophthalmoplegic Migraine with pupil-involving 3rd nerve are Granulomatous disease, Schwannoma, Tumor, Aneurysm, Myasthenia Gravis, or Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome.  Please do not wait to be checked out as I am very concerned about you...and knowing that you are a mother is why I responded to this as quickly as I could.

[Mommyof3kids926]

Did you by any chance get diagnosed? My symptoms are the exact same, but occurs constantly. MRI x2 is negative. Please help! Thanks!!