Weird vision problem - PLEASE read!

[swirlgirl]

Hi all - thanks in advance for any help/advice/suggestions!

My 13 yr old son has a Chiari Malformation,(mild) and tourette's (not severe, but there). He recently started to have vision problems, I have searched the internet but haven't been able to come up with anything. He describes seeing a bright light, lasting about 3 to 5 seconds, then dimness for about 3 to 5 seconds. He says he covers his eyes or puts his head down with his eyes closed for a minute then it's gone. I mentioned it to his psychiatrist, who he sees for meds for some moderate depression. The doctor said he should be seen soon, like with 4 to 5 days at the most. ( BTW, the doctor is NOT an alarmist - he would only suggest this time frame if he were really concerned)

My son's neuro moved and I have to get him into the Children's Hospital - which is a trick as they are so busy. The doctor is calling in to see if they can get him in quick. I was told to have the doctor call the "triage nurse" to get him in.

The thing is, I'm feeling really panicked about this and trying not to let him see this. I just lost my mother in Oct to an aneurysm - so anything that may be brain related is very scary right now.

I'm just wondering if anyone might have any clue as to where I might start to look. I'd feel a little better having somewhere to start....

Thanks again!

[LIZARD]

I read this on the CN board, and I thought either migraine or seizure. (((((((((HUGS)))))))))), re losing your mom. :( I'm certainly no doctor, and I can see why this freaks you out, but I think it's unlikely that it's an aneurysm. Given the ACM, the possibility of seizure or migraine is relatively high. Mention it to his neuro or nsg, and go from there.


((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))), and good luck...

LIZARD :)

[swirlgirl]

Lizard thanks for your reply.
I guess it was just that the psychiatrist made it seem pretty urgent and he's a pretty mellow doctor. I also made calls on Friday and didn't get an answer...I just want to know what their concern actually is. Well, hopefully tomorrow. Maybe if he didn't call back quickly, it's not as urgent as it seemed.
Hopefully not! Thanks again!

[Mayzoo]

Can he see a pedi opthamologist? I would also have the pressure on against his retina and his optic nerve.

[pringlec]

Swirlgirl,

I also have a 13 y/o son who has both ACM and Tourette's and is seen at Childrens hospital in DC. We live in Frederick MD. He has not complained of any vision problems but suffers with depression (bipolar) also. Hopefully by now your son has gotten an appointment at Childrens, but if not Dr. Lavenstein who is the Director of Movement Disorders is a great choice. My son has gone through some pretty strange and scary stuff and I know how you feel. It's hard to see a child suffer physically or emotionally. My prayers are with you. Carri