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What Does Excess Of Spinal Fluid Regarding Headache And Numbness Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Jun 2014
Question: A 26 year old female friend began having severe headaches, nausea and occasional numbness from the neck down. When a spinal tap was done they immediately admitted her to the hospital due to an excess of spinal fluid. All tests, MRI, CT, blood work, and examination of the spinal fluid came back negative for any abnormalities. This has only been going on for about 6 weeks. She is seeing a neurologist who's answer is to pump her full of diuretics, which is now affecting her kidneys. Are there any underlying conditions, i.e. a parasite or previously undiagnosed disorder that could be causing this?
Could she have congenital disorder that may have remained undetected? I just believe there is something they are missing in her diagnosis...it's just a gut feeling. She has twin daughters with congenital eye problems...there eyes continually move, similar to a lazy eye, but they see well.
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Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It could be benign intracranial hypertension.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your friend's symptoms, investigation reports and treatment planned.

You have mentioned that doctors found an excess of spinal fluid, but then, her CT and MRI brain reports would show that. Normal CT and MRI may suggest that it was an increase in the spinal fluid pressure, a condition called as benign intracranial hypertension (BIH).

BIH is common in young women, and very often no cause is found. Normal spinal fluid analysis rules out any infection.

Diuretics, acetazolamide, and steroids are usually used to treat this condition. They are required for a short period of 6-8 weeks.

There is no need to worry as most often this responds to medical treatment.

I hope it helps.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 6232 Questions

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What Does Excess Of Spinal Fluid Regarding Headache And Numbness Indicate?

Brief Answer: It could be benign intracranial hypertension. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I have noted your friend's symptoms, investigation reports and treatment planned. You have mentioned that doctors found an excess of spinal fluid, but then, her CT and MRI brain reports would show that. Normal CT and MRI may suggest that it was an increase in the spinal fluid pressure, a condition called as benign intracranial hypertension (BIH). BIH is common in young women, and very often no cause is found. Normal spinal fluid analysis rules out any infection. Diuretics, acetazolamide, and steroids are usually used to treat this condition. They are required for a short period of 6-8 weeks. There is no need to worry as most often this responds to medical treatment. I hope it helps. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist