HELP! My boyfriend has convinced himself that he has a brain tumor

[eternalhearts22]

So, my boyfriend has convinced himself that he has a brain tumor.  His symptoms are dizziness, ear popping, and dimming of vision.  
  
   These symptoms seem to occur about twice a day for the past few weeks.  He says that sometimes the vision dimming seems like when you come inside from being outside in the bright sun and it takes your eyes awhile to adjust but it just occurs randomly.  More than any other symptom, the dizziness occurs the most.  We went to a DR and she said that it looked like an inner ear infection to her and put him on some antibiotic which he has been taking for the last 3 days but it almost seems like his problems have gotten worse.  
  He is worrying himself sick with this whole brain tumor thing so please help with any suggestions.  Thanks

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Well this does not look like brain tumor classically. However there is no harm in ruling out. Before doing that I would suggest you look into other possibilities. In his case I feel it could be a case of ‘ocular migraines’ or ‘ophthalmic migraines’. These produce headaches along with visual symptoms ranging from static vision to temporary loss of vision. Please discuss this possibility with your doctor. Normally, ophthalmic migraines do not require treatment. But if these symptoms recur regularly then you may need medication to reduce the frequency and/or severity of attacks.
Another possibility is ‘benign intracranial hypertension’  (BIH). This happens due to impaired CSF absorption. A generalized throbbing headache worst felt in the morning and last thing at night. This headache is generally relieved on standing (consistent with raised intracranial pressure). It is aggravated by straining, coughing or a change in position. Visual symptoms are also very common.
Hope this helps. It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Do consult your doctor. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[mjbrown]

I can't tell you how many times I've been convinced I had a brain tumor - always turned out to be nothing. Your boyfriend's symptoms can be adequately explained by the condition he was diagnosed with: and ear infection. These can take a week or two of treatment to clear up.  Anxiety can also cause dizziness and visual disturbances (and pretty much every physical symptom / sensation possible). Most brain tumors present with headache and vomiting (especially upon waking up), numbness a limb, memory / speech problems, etc. Brain tumors are rare: 130 per 100,000 people. This translates into a 0.13% chance that any one person has a brain tumor. In other words, statistically speaking, all things being equal, there is a 99.87% chance that your b/f does NOT have a brain tumor. That being said, he should speak with his doctor about the possibility - to get reassurance that he does not have one if anything. The doc can perform some basic neurological tests (like checking to see if the eye pupils dilate and constrict properly, having your b/f stand with his feet together with his eyes closed and see if he loses his balance, etc). It sounds like your b/f may have an anxiety / panic disorder. Is he being treated for anxiety or depression?