Expert: Paula Damgaard - 5/30/2007

Question
I am a 53 year old male, who began having problems seeing properly about 4 years ago.  I have factor V leading blood disorder, inherited from my father.  I have been a tobacco user for 30 plus years and used to drink a lot of beer.  (approx (3) 12 packs from Friday to Saturday for past 7 or so years.  I have not been drinking for the past 2 years except for a few times a year.  I began having problems seeing or focusing on moving objects.  It seems to be getting progressively worse.  If I move my hand across in front of me, it is just a blur, sort of like a camera that is running in slow motion where a trail is left following behind.  If I move my head from side to side and focus on an object with my eyes, the object moves from side to side.  If I turn head right, the object and all visual area shifts right and vise versa.  If I hold a book in front of me, I read fine.  If i begin to turn, or just slowly rotate 360 degrees, I can not focus on the words.  Also my balance has started to be affected.  If I move my head quickly while walking, like wiping my brow, I will stagger.  If I close my eyes and begin walking a straight line, and start bumping the side of my head with my palm, I will move in the direction of the bumping motion.  My eyes do not track properly either.  About 12 years ago, if I worked at my computer all day, I would get double vision.  It started out lasting a couple of hours.  It is with me always now.  Looking straight ahead, if I move my head to one side and stare at an object, I will get double vision until I really concentrate on correcting my problem.  Keep in mind though, when I do this, my vision will move the object in the opposite direction of my head turn.

I had been taking Prilosec and later Nexium for the past 4 or so years, for acid reflux.  I read where this can inhibit vitamin absorption, coupled up with excessive drinking, my vitamin B could cause neuron problems.  I have quit taking Nexium for about 2 weeks now to see if it makes a difference.

I have seen a neuro opthomologist, and several neurologists.  I have been tested for vitamin deficiency, thyroid, liver enzymes (slightly elevated), lupus, MS, Parkinson, Myasthenia Gravies, blood sugar, and many other things.  I have had MRI's of the brain, MRA of the brain,  MRI of arteries in neck, EGD ? (where you hook up to electrodes and get shocks), Lumbar Puncture, Vertigo test, (with only abnormality of eye tracking), MRI of neck area, and tested for heavy metals etc.  I went through some detox for lead and arsenic, but did not have a super high level of either.  Tracking problem and ability to focus on moving objects seem worse in evening and slightly better in morning after I wake from sleep.  I am told that I have a small lesion in my brain stem, in the area that could cause these problems, but they are not sure.  MRI's did not show changes in a two year check.  One neurologist said maybe MS in nature but did not prove out in tests, or possibly a stroke, but unlikely.  The other neurologist said possible stroke, but since it was gradual, that is unlikely.  He has prescribed several medications that help Alzheimers just to see if I get relief, but nothing has changed.  I have not been back to a Neurologist in about a year, as they have told me they do not know what is wrong with me.  I think I will go back to the Neuro opthomologist who first had an MRI done on my brain, and try again.  It is very frustrating, as even recognizing someone in a vehicle that is moving past me is difficult.  Any ideas will be so much appreciated.

Thanks

Chris  

Answer
Chris, I am not sure I am capable of answering this question.  I am sorry you are going through all this.  Have you done an internet search to see if someone is researching your symptoms?  There may be someone out there perhaps in an University setting who is looking at people with your symptoms and may have the answer for you.  

If you do go back to the neuro opth.  ask if they know of anyone who is doing this kind of research.  I am sorry that I don't know of anyone who would be.  I hope you find your answer.  Good luck Paula