PLEASE help! What is wrong with me...my eye/head...

[Julieag]

Hello, I'm terrified. When I was 19 I was diagnosed with "pseudo tumeri cerebri citis",   which means: "Fake brain tumor". I began having horrible migrane headaches, vision going blurry and coming back, etc. It's never gone away, and to this day I still hear what sounds like "windshield wipers" in my head from the excess fluid. I had an MRI and spinal taps done then. Now, I'm a 32 year old Mom of 4. We have no health insurance, so, when my vision began going dark in my right eye only a couple of months ago, I assumed it was a symptom of what I was previously diagnosed with, and ignored it. I would cover my left eye to make my right eye re-focus. This has been over at least 6 weeks. Over the last few days, something else has started. In the back-left part of my head (about 3/4 of the way down and straight over to where your head  starts to round down to your neck) I've had a non-stop headache, in one spot. It's always there, just number at some points and excruciating at others. It worries me because it's not like the migranes I've had before, it's located in one spot, I can even point it out specifically. Coupled with my past, the fluid "windshield wiper" noise being louder, and the problems with my eye I've been worried. Then, last night, the pain just radiated through my throat, shoulder, neck and part of my upper back to the point I cried... in front of my kids...and I don't do that. I don't have insurance and my husband is lucky to have a job right now in this economy, and I don't have the $ to pay on a bill to the ER. I called my old Neurologist to make an appt. for March 8th. The lady on the phone told me she didn't mean to alarm me, but she thinks I should go to the ER. I'm beyond stressed and upset, and praying to God that all I want in this world is to watch my kids grow up, be their Mom, help with my grandkids, and if he's willing, kiss my great-grandchildren after they're born. I'm a very positive person, but this is spinning me into a state of depression very quickly, which makes that spot hurt more. I just want to be told that I need glasses, or even a spinal tap, just not what these signs are indicative of. Can someone please help me and tell me if I should go to the ER, if these are the symptoms, or if there is something else it can be. Just waiting to speak to the Neurologist is leaving my life in agony, and I'm terrified. Any help is much appreciated!!!

[cacyshay]

Psuedo tumors can cause alot of the problems that you are speaking of. The diuretics are important for you in order to remove the excess fluid build up on your brain. When pressure does build up it can cause vision problems, headaches, etc..

Although a Psuedo tumor is benign in nature it is still something to take seriously. You may want to consider a visit to the ER if your symptoms do not improve or if they intensify.

A family member of mine has a psuedo tumor and he has to have regular visits to the Neurologist in order to keep his symptoms under control. He has been on diuretics since he was diagnosed at the age of 6. He is now 16.

[Julieag]

Hello. No, I was never diagnosed with a brain tumor. They thought it was, until the MRI came back ok. That's when the neurologist  diagnosed me with "pseudo tumeri cerebri citis". He said from looking in my eye, it looks exactly as a brain tumor would, but it's actually a large amount of excess fluid, and it puts pressure on the brain area, which caused the migranes, etc. I was given a diaretic and told losing weight might help, as I had gone from very shapely to a weight gain of about 50 lbs. suddently when I was 19, and he believes that's what triggered the condition. It's a very rare condition. It has never gone away. I only took the diaretic for a short period of time, it could damage your organs with extended use. I've just "dealt" with the fluid noise and headaches over the years. But this, is completely different, and the fact that it's going to take a month to even get started scares me even more. I was just hoping that someone reading this, or maybe if a Doctor read this, that it would set off a lightbulb to someone who could give me ideas as to what the problem may be, other than a possible brain tumor.

[lovemydowncomforter]

In the mean time before your neurologist appointment, call daily to see if they have cancellations. Also, look for a free clinic in your area/state and go see them. If it gets really bad, you're going to have to bite the bullet and get treated without insurance. You don't want to risk your life over money. Appeal to your church for help if you need to. There are people with the means to easily help you with your medical bills who may be willing to help you. Health is the most important thing, and the highest priority.

Did they find an actual tumor in your brain before? Was it removed? I'm not a medical professional, but im thinking that just maybe the tumor grew (if it wasn't removed), so it's maing symptoms worse.

Try to relax as best you can until you can get treatment from a doctor somewhere. Stress makes bodily pain feel worse.