Psuedotumor of the cerebri

[Ellie2008]

My daughter is 13years old and obese. We have had 7 lumbar punctures since May 2009 when she was diagnosed. She is currently on 1500mg diamox a day and Topamax 200mg a day. Neurosurgery will not do the VP shunt due to here weight 314pounds. Peds neurology will not put her on Lasix or increase diamox. We are in the hospital every 3 -4 weeks for lumbar punctures under anesthesia and fluro. Will lasix help or do I need to take here to a adult neurologist. No one seems to have the answers. Her eyes are getting worse and now she has to wear glasses.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
It is true that treatment for Pseudotumour cerebri is complicated because of obesity. Therefore a formal weight loss and exercise program is required once the diagnosis is established. Programs designed for weight loss should include an exercise program and psychological consultations. Many patients do not lose enough weight and may require treatment approaches such as gastric resection or stapling. In persons who present with  symptoms such as early and progressive loss of vision, a short treatment course with high-dose corticosteroids (prednisone) is recommended. Tapering down from the initial corticosteroid dose is customized and based on the improvement of symptoms. If new visual loss is noted despite treatment, emergency surgical intervention may be indicated. A lumboperitoneal shunt is the method of choice utilized for prompt reduction of intracranial hypertension. Please see to it that a serious weight loss program is carried out by your daughter so as to facilitate the treatment approach. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!

[selmaS]

Hi...I can only imagine how diff this is for u to she ur little girl in distress.

I know the pusedotumor cerebri can be a result of being overweight, BUT it can also happen to those that r thin or average build. Losing weight is diff, but worht the effort if she is able to .

Drs that treat chiari malformation treat this condition as well as this is a condition that many with chiari have as well. U may want to go to a NS instead of a NL.....look for one that treats chiari.

Good luck
"selma"