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...

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/ Pseudotumor Cerebri Support Group

Newly diagnosed with questions

morcer
morcer

Hi, 


I was just diagnosed yesterday 2/01/17. I started having issues in July 2016 with my heart, I have a-fib and SVT. Did the whole cardiac thing with a failed cardiac ablation,done for 4 days of a-fib, negative cardiac cath done due to the chest pain I was having. Then came the vertigo, 2 full weeks in bed :(.  Had a visit with the ENT who worked me up for Meniere's Disease and again negative. However, the MRI did show prominent Optic Nerves c/w PTC. Saw the opthalmogist, negative eye exam. I then went to the neurologist who had me do a lumbar puncture. Opening pressure was 35. The neurologist started me on Diamox only 250mg daily for 2 weeks and if I don't feel better up it to 500mg daily.  Ok, there's my story, here are my questions.... Does anyone else have cardiac issue that continue to be bothersome and is it related to the PTC?  How long before I can tell if the Diamox is working. I still feel like someone is typing a letter on the back of my skull with an icepick!!  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!!

rcykb1
rcykb1
I had tachycardia (rapid heart rate) at one point, but the cardiologist said it wasn't fast enough to need medication (24 hour halter showed average was above 90 but below 100). I had vase retinal spasm which caused transient vision loss, one ophthalmologist was sure I was having mini strokes and had me do all kinds of testing, all came back fine. About a year later same symptoms returned and he wanted me to do the same testing, I switched to an amazing neuron ophthalmologist who diagnosed me and put me on a low dose vasodilator and the symptoms went away. I have come to the realization that PTC can cause just about anything even if theirs don't tell us or admit it. Good luck!
morcer
morcer
Thank you rcykb1!! It makes me feel a bit better that I'm not crazy! I don't any eye issues yet and hope not to get any. My a fib can run over 300 if I go into it and I am on the max dose of my anti arrhythmic medication. Maybe if I get the PTC under-control my cardiac issues might disappear (fingers crossed!!) I hope you are doing well now. Thank you so much for your reply!!!!
Sophiasmom06
Sophiasmom06
I have PVCs. not sure if they are related to the IIH. they seem to be related to my obstructive sleep apnea, which was making my IIH unbearable. treating the OSA treats my IIH, I had jaw surgery and I went into remission. OSA can cause A-fib. you may want to get evaluated for OSA, because treating it may help all of these issues. my brother has never been diagnosed with IIH although I am suspicious. he does have OSA and he had really bad vertigo for years a while back but got better from treating his OSA. magnesium can help with A-fib and other cardiac arrhythmias, and it can also reduce brain swelling, so it's a good supplement to take with your issues.
morcer
morcer
Sophiasmom06, thank you for the response!! I've been to sooo many doctors in the past month I think I will owe my first grandchild to them (ha ha). I also have OSA and I have a good response to the treatment for it. My machine keeps track of my airflow, sleep, etc. The doctor wants me to have a score of 95 of better on my machine on a daily basis, which I achieve most nights. As for my a-fib I take Flecanide and Metoprolol. I see the cardiologist this coming and will discuss adding magnesium as well. Thanks for the suggestion!!!