Pseudotumor Cerebri Support Group
Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, in the absence of a tumor or other diseases affecting the brain or its lining. Diagnosis requires brain scans and lumbar puncture. Characteristic symptoms are headache, transient visual obscurations or transient visual loss in one or both eyes usually lasting...
Well, my appt didn't go well... I went in and he checked my eyes and said the papilledema was resolved except a tiny sliver which was no concern at all so he wasn't going to do the tap just refer me to a neuro-optho that he works more closely with than the optho that was seeing me so they could decide together why I was still having eye pressure. Then he said well, we may as well do the tap because if your pressure is normal, we need to set you up for a 24-48 hour intracranial pressure monitor at the hospital. So he did the tap, and sighed as he did it, my pressure is still VERY high...in fact, it's exactly the same as it was when I was diagnosed, 32-35. SO, he drained 15cc's off and took the pressure down below 15 and I am restarting my Diamox. He wants me to lose 25 more pounds then do another tap. If still high, which he suspects it will be, I will be getting stents. This is still a very new procedure I also signed papers to participate in a study where they are going to use the CSF for research to try to figure out a genetic variable in pseudotumor cerebri. Anyway, so, I am just VERY discouraged.
I got my CT & MRI report yesterday and it says:
CT: There is moderate to severe focal short segment stenosis of the bilateral distal transverse sinuses, right greater than left. Bilaterally, this appears to extend to the transverse sigmoid junction, perhaps slightly more extensive on the right prominent tentorial veins seen on the right side with a prominent vein of i present on the left...there is a small focal filling defect in the distal right transverse sinus which may represent an arachnoid granulation.
MRV: Stenosis of the transverse sinus/sigmoid junction bilaterally.
MRI: Stable partially empty sella and mildly diminutive pituitary gland for age. The dura is mildly thickened and enhancing. Mild prominence/kinking of optic nerve sheaths.
I got my CT & MRI report yesterday and it says:
CT: There is moderate to severe focal short segment stenosis of the bilateral distal transverse sinuses, right greater than left. Bilaterally, this appears to extend to the transverse sigmoid junction, perhaps slightly more extensive on the right prominent tentorial veins seen on the right side with a prominent vein of i present on the left...there is a small focal filling defect in the distal right transverse sinus which may represent an arachnoid granulation.
MRV: Stenosis of the transverse sinus/sigmoid junction bilaterally.
MRI: Stable partially empty sella and mildly diminutive pituitary gland for age. The dura is mildly thickened and enhancing. Mild prominence/kinking of optic nerve sheaths.
i am sorry to hear about the high pressure readings. I am curious, i think you mentioned the diamox and weightloss was controlling the high pressure readings awhile back? Was that you? Were you high pressure under control at any point during diamox and weightloss? If so my consider a stent?
Also what or how did the doctors determind you are a candidate for stent? Was it something they saw in your CT or MRV images?
btw do not be discouraged, you have lost alot of weight and should be very proud, your overall health will continue to benefit as go focus on your weightloss. Continue with eating healthy and exercising as much as you can. In the LONG run it will show its benefits :)
David
I am a candidate for a stent because I have bilateral stenosis. A stent opens those veins so you must have stenosis to receive a stent.