neurology

[drozdowska]

Hi
I was diagnosed with pituitary, nonfunctioning macroadenoma. I have a lot of symptoms like lightheadness, pressure in my head, pinching in the skull, vision disturbances, extreme fatigue and sleepiness. Moreover I am very nervous, my mood changes very often. I've seen many specialists and they all say that my symptoms are not connected with the tumor. What is it? Please, help me

[drozdowska]

Thank you very much for your response. I would like to say that my problems started 7 years ago with bad headache and pain in the throat. I was jogging, it was winter and pretty cold. After I got home I experienced first symptoms. The second day I had low grade fever, it lasted for 3 years!! And again, pain in the throat, bad headaches. For the last 7 years I can't even count how many times I was hospitalized.Doctors ruled out fibromylagia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lime disease, mononucleosis. I've seen primary doctor couple times during each month, every possible specialist including psychologist. I've tried some depression pills(lyrica,lexapro,prozac,effexor), but I can't tolerate those. Im only 30 and I can't even make any future plans, because I know that tomorrow is another bad day for me. I feel horrible.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

The symptoms you describe are nonspecific. It is difficult to say whether they are connected to the macroadenoma (esp visual changes) or not without ability to examine you or view imaging. Often these symptoms may reflect emotional/psychiatric problems related to stress (what is called somatization disorder). The latter is a true medical condition whereby instead of a patient experiencing depression or anxiety, they experience physical symptoms, and once the stress is addressed, the symptoms resolve. Fibromyalagia is another medical condition that leads to whole body sensory changes, and is best treated with medications such as lyrica and neurontin, exercise, and physical therapy.

I would encourage you to discuss your symptoms with your primary physician to ensure nothing is being overlooked.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.