13 year Stroke Survivor (Correction)
My neurologist referred me to a neuosurgeon for evaluation to determine if an arachnoid cyst is pressuring my cerebellum, causing an extreme intensity of my stroke symptoms, and the addition of some new symptom as well. I was told that a micro-surgical fenestration of the cyst will alleviate the pressure, thereby reducing the symptoms that have been escalating since last April. I visited the surgeon with the hope that surgery was an option, and worth the risk, which is minor.
After viewing recent MRIs, the surgeon appeared, stating,”The news is good., surgery isn't necessary.” I replied, “That's bad news, as the symptoms are becoming unbearable.“ I then asked him what might be causing the dramatic change. He stated,” I can understand your disappointment, but the problem is caused by extreme atrophy of the cerebellum.” I told him that I am aware of atrophy of the brain being common as one ages, but does the word “extreme” mean that it is far above what may be expected at my age ,and can anything be done to stop further progress? He said it is very extreme and nothing can be done to improve the condition. There were many questions I wanted to ask him, but my mind went blank with disappointment, and he appeared in a hurry to go to his next patient.
On my return home, I googled “atrophy of the cerebellum” and felt sickened, as I read that cerebellar atrophy is a disease apart from the normal brain shrinkage that comes with aging or injury. Any hope of returning to my condition ( as bad as that was) before April, vanished
Symptoms since April /2014 ( intensified and new)
double vision (intensified)
vertigo (severe)
nystagmus (intensified)
ataxia (severe))
tinitus (no change)
tremors (severe)
memory loss (severe)
hearing loss (severe)
chronic headaches (new)
other cognitive difficulty (severe)
other eye sight difficulty (severe)
While I made good progress the first year and relearned to drive, I am now house bound and unable to drive since 2007, following an ill advised surgical procedure of the right ear vestibular nerve, causing further loss of right side balance,inability to drive and difficulty ambulating, even with the aid of a walker. The increase in symptoms since April are equal to or greater than those of 2007. I can't take any medication to help alleviate any symptoms since my vertigo is constant and severe and most medications have side effects of dizziness which are not tolerable.
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