likely hood of brain tumor...or something

[honeydew21]

For the past 6 months or so I've been having headaches/migraines. They seem to be worse when I wake up, dull down and then flare up again before bed. I've also been having focal/partial seizures, blurred vision, mood swings and I'm extremely irritable/cranky. Nausea has set in over the last couple of days. I've also been having serious issues with sleeping. I just can't fall asleep. A few months ago my pcp diagnosed me with depression and has since put me on 75 mg of Zoloft. It hasn't done anything besides make me so happy at times I'm crapping rainbows. Then other times on the opposite end of the spectrum and this horrible cranky person.

My doc did order an MRI which was done yesterday so no results or phone calls yet.

I may just be paranoid, but...is there a chance something may show up on my MRI? I've been trying to prepare myself for both good and bad news...but I feel like I'm going insane waiting.

[rumpled]

Good! Do keep us posted if you can... and let us know about the progress with the pineal mass as well.

Best of luck with the surgery!

[honeydew21]

Already found one and have surgery scheduled.

[rumpled]

That is not fun... Chiari is handled here in a separate forum. I would advise that you find a specialist (they can be found) to handle that issue and get that resolved.

The pineal mass can be removed - but you have to have symptoms directly attributed to it before anyone will pay attention. I would ask to have melatonin levels checked. You have problems sleeping and that would be directly related to that mass - the pineal gland controls sleep to a degree. Make sure you find a very experienced endoscopic surgeon for the surgery (perhaps look to a pituitary center as they have the tools).

[honeydew21]

Doc just called turns out I have a 1 cm Pineal mass and a chairi malformation 1.

They don't know if the mass is a tumor or a cyst. I have to see a neurologist and get more testing done.

[rumpled]

We are patients here like you - and I don't think we can predict if your MRI will show anything.

Sadly, headaches and fatigue are very general symptoms - so it could be something - in the head (not mental) or outside like endocrine, auto-immune etc etc etc so it is going to take a bit to get at the bottom of the cause.

Given the eye component - have you seen a good eye MD?

I have to say, I am not a fan of the tossing the happy pills in when the doc is stumped though...

Please let us know how the MRI turns out - do call the center and order  your own copy of the report and CD for your own records. Usually you are entitled to one copy for free! The report is usually available 24 hours after the scan. I usually ask for the CD as I get there and leave with it.

[honeydew21]

Oh...I'm also extremely lethargic and fatigued. I have to fight with myself to wake up when I do fall asleep and to not nap during the day.