Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Help Needed With Diagnosis

Hi,

I am new here so I am not sure what to expect, or if I am doing this right, anyway here I go:

HISTORY

• Went to Boston end August - nearly fainted in pharmacy - had worsening pain in head since then.
• Initially went for an eye test on 6/10/2010 because of pain behind right eye, because of the pain in head, they also performed a visual/peripheral vision test, because initial tests were so bad - repeated test next day - same result. vision in right eye limited - of 29 presented missed 22.
• Went to Moorfields - 9/10/2010 - diagnosis - right reduced optic nerve function; right reduced sensation and power; reduced visual field on right. Transferred to Royal london for further investigation.
• Royal London - had CT scan and full blood test - came back clear - referred back to Moorfields.
• Saw Dr 15/10/2010 - Consultant Neurologist at London Bridge (Privately) who said I had reduced visual fields on right; reduced sensation on right; weakness on right limbs; pin ***** reduced on right; vibration reduced on right including at clavicle. He requested a MRI Scan for following day.
• Saw Dr ..27/10/2010 - MRI scan showed minor tonsillar herniation - but not overly worried by it. He referred me onto Timothy Jackson Opthalmic and Retinal Surgeon.
• Saw Dr ..10.11.2010 - right eye showed gross constriction only small inland of vision centrally; 4 of 17 colour plates read in right. No posterior scleral thickening; no obvious fluid; OCT showed normal foveal contour. Passed back to Moorfields.
• 24.11.2010 - Saw privately Dr .. Consultant Neurologist who requested I go into Charing Cross hospital for a number of days for tests. (Had full blood test - and MRI Scan plus contrast - and electroretinogram.) All 3 came back clear, with only minor differences in electroretinogram.  Confirmed not a migraine but don’t know what.  
• Saw Moorfields 29.11.2010 - Dr .. referred me to electrophysiology department for tests on 16/12/2010 where I had a Pattern Electroretinogram; Electroretinogram; Visual - evoked potential; electro-oculogram - waiting results.

SYMPTOMS

• Severe pain in head focus behind right eye - moving over to other side. feels like my head is about to explode - pressure. Impossible to focus / concentrate - feels like I have a heartbeat in my head. Pain increasing since August.
• Can’t see - vision getting worse - with occasional double vision.
• Violently sick nearly every night
• Dribble on right side of mouth, and starting having difficultly with words
• Weakness in right side - lack of feeling compared to left
• Eyes glaze over can’t see - floaters 1/2 metre wide block vision
• Severe neck spasms (6 in half an hour - 2 days ago)
• gushing nosebleeds lasting up to 30mins
• Hands shaking
• Exhausted and severe temperature changes
• Treating with pills - but nothing I have been given has had any effect.
• Fainting - black out last week - 15 mins before I was back to normal


I have done a lot of research, as although each specialist has confirmed that there is a serious problem, no one knows what it is or what to do, and I can’t carry on with it like this.

I saw article by Dr Matharu on Deep Brain Stimulation at the National Neurologist Hospital, although the symptoms were not quite the same (my pain in constant, and has been for months) - the pain  described by some patients of cluster headaches was similar - “ It was like someone had put a red-hot poker into my left eye and was wiggling it about. The headaches always started with a sudden pain behind my left eye; my eyes got red and swollen and sweat poured off my face. I also felt nauseous. I couldn’t stand still, sit down or go to bed.”

Any help at all would be most welcome, and I have absolutely no idea what to do next!

Thank you so much.

Best wishes,
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Plz read that as 'benign intracranial hypertension'
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
If MRI of cervical spine was not done, then this should be done. Other possibility is hypertension’(BIH). This happens due to impaired CSF absorption. A generalized throbbing headache worst felt in the morning and last thing at night. This headache is generally relieved on standing (consistent with raised intracranial pressure). It is aggravated by straining, coughing or a change in position. This headache is accompanied by various neurological symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, loss of vision, loss of hearing etc, all of which are temporary.
You need a prompt evaluation by a neurologist. Hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency are a few things I would recommend you get investigated for. These can precipitate BIH. A spinal tap is a must both to diagnose the condition and to treat it.  
Vision loss in one eye can be due to eye causes like optic neuritis, stoke in the optic nerve, damage to optic nerve, retinal tear, retinal detachment, cataract, glaucoma, bleeding into the eye, macular degeneration etc. It can also be due to benign intracranial hypertension, malignant hypertension, multiple sclerosis, and temporal arteritis. A combined approach of a neurologist and an eye specialist is required for diagnosis.
Please discuss this with your treating doctor. Take care!
Helpful - 0
1548028 tn?1324612446
Have they ruled out stroke?  The right sided weakness and drooling are concerning to me.  I would head right back to dr. or ER because your symptoms seemed to have changed.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Undiagnosed Symptoms Community

Top General Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
19694731 tn?1482849837
AL
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.