Is Double Vision A Sign Of Graves' Disease?

Posted on Fri, 22 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 22 Jul 2016 Answered on

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : i am 44 years old female and am in graves disease remission (without XXXXXXX i just used Methimizole). it's been over a year and i started to suffer constipation, and leg cramps (charlie horsesI) that come and go. I had a colonoscopy and discovered i has diverticylosis and 1 polyp, removed with no problems. My constipation was temporarily relieved. Seems to be coming back. I have in the last month or so developed severe dizzy spells, with them comes tinlgling in my lips, and fingers. a numb tongue from time to time. sever headaches. surreal vision/feelings. i have double vision with headached, sometimes without the headache. I have tinititus. getting worse. i have blurred vision, assume this is age related. i have occassinonal leg weakness and sometimes ankle joint pain. I'm tired often, and occassionaly forgetful. My pcp is referring me to a Neuologist. he breifley mentioned MS. is this in the realm of possability. What should i expect. he aslo mentioned anemia. he did not believe my graves was back, but did do blood work. i'm feeling uneasy. please provide any professional advice. Thank you in advance.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There are some exams you need to do;

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I read carefully your description.
The symptoms you are having during this last year are discrete and not suggestive for a typical diagnosis. In these cases we try to exclude one by one all the probable diseases manifested even with one of the symptoms you described.
Double vision may be a sign of Graves disease, even though in most of the cases is associated with exophtalmis, edema of the palpebra ect. The thyroid hormonal level confirms it so you have to wait for the results.
Regarding MS it may be manifested with double vision, surreal vision, tingling sensation, weak legs so an MRI is helpful. This helps to exclude also other neurological problems that cause headache.
There may be also an electrolyte disbalance; a low calcium level probably due to vit D deficiency may cause tingling sensation and numbs.The magnesium level should be checked also.
For the constipation you need to repeat the colonoscopy because the polyp may be repeated So there are some exams you need to do.
Hope the information will help.
Do not hesitate to ask if you will have other questions in the future.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (12 hours later)

thank you very much for your response. in 3 weeks I do have an appointment with the neurologist and I'm assuming an MRI is going to be taking at that time. It's just that I was a little scared and freaked out by the possibilities I guess at this point as you said, it is just a waiting game. Process of elimination, if you will. Thank you for your input it is much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keep me in contact when you have any result.

Detailed Answer:
It was a pleasure! Please keep me in contact when you have the results.
Wish you good health!
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng