The Ohio Study
Currently, Dr. Glueck, from The Jewish Hospital in Cincinatti, Ohio, is running a trial study on Pseudo Tumor Cerebri patients. The hypothesis is that PTC patients have blood irregularities that make them more prone to blood clots. These blood clots block the fluid in the brain from going where it needs to go, therefore causing pressure and PTC. More information can be obtained by visiting www.health-alliance.com , search under Pseudotumor Cerebri.
Leg Pain and Numbness
A newly recognized common symptom among PTC patients seems to be back and leg pain along with numbness. These seem to be the classic symptoms of a disk herniation in the L5 vertebrae. No doctor seems to have an answer for this connection. MRI's and X-ray's show nothing. Neurologists and Orthepedic Specialists seem to be clueless. Some PTC patients have sought help from Chiropractors and Physical Thearapy. So once again we (the patients) have found another common thread that the doctors do not acknowledge. HANG IN THERE EVERYONE!
Programmable Shunts
In many cases of PTC it seems that most patients eventually choos to have a shunt. Like any surgery this should not be taken lightly. Do the research yourself, and find out as much as you can before you have limited time to make the decision. There is an excellent site for shunt surgery at www.allabout.com (thanks Ken)! This site also tells you about the new CODMAN/HAKIM (tm) programmable shunt, and can help you find doctors in your area that are trained to use it. This new shunt is more appealing, because it seems to have less revisions than past shunts. Whether a shunt is something you need or may need, knowledge is always power. It is smart to take your time in researching and getting your questions answered, before you have to make such a major decision.
Note: I do not currently have a shunt nor do I endorse any shunts or surgery for Pseudotumor Cerebri.