Question:
Has anyone been told they may have brain swelling?

I went to my surgeons appointment and has a bunch of questions about headaches and ringing in the ears. He told me I may have brain swelling and that was a comorbity. Of course he had a big technical name for it and I cant remember. Has anyone been told this? If so, do you have more info on it. I am kinda worried about it but I dont thin the surgeon was.    — Debbie W. (posted on January 26, 2002)

January 26, 2002
A support group friend had that, it helped get surgery approved. Can lead to vision and other problems. Good that it was discovered. Thinking about it since I lost this weight, 114 pounds I have few headaches, even under stress. I guess that may be another wonderful side affect of the big loss....
   — bob-haller

January 26, 2002
The condition you're talking about is psuedotumorcerebri and it is, indeed, a co-morbidity. The headaches are severe, but not migraines. There are only two treatments: medications for the pain and surgery to place a shunt. I opted for the shunt, but am now sorry about that decision. I had the surgery 7 years ago and now the scar tissue in my head is causing me constant muscle spasms. The scar tissue has wrapped around the ocsiptal (sp?) nerve which in turn signals the muscle to spasm. I had a second surgery last year to remove that nerve, but it has grown back and the pain from the spasms is even worse now. So, if I had the opportunity to choose again I would opt for medication. Good luck.
   — Terri G.