Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 5/23/2006

Question
I am 36 years old and I have a 2 year old son.  3 months postpartum, I was diagnosed with an uncommon disease called Pseudotumor cerebri or Benign Intracranial Hypertension.....often affiliated with pregnancy.  I can't find an neurologist on this website, so I thought I'd try you.  I have many questions but I'll only ask what you may know.  

I had the epidural during delivery of my son, then again during my C-Section.  Can the epidural cause abnormal spinal fluid pressure in your head?  It has been 2 years now and my symtoms have cleared up, but for the fact that I may have permanent vision damage.  I would like to have another baby, but am concerned the symptoms will recur.  Do you know any neurologists that may be able to help answer some of my questions?

I am desperate, I can't seem to find answers on the internet and my neurologist tells me to go ahead and get pregnant.  Hopefully you can help.

Thanks,
Diane

Answer
Hi there Diane
This is really off beam for me so treat all answers with care.
Firstly we do see a few patients like yourself coming through our delivery unit. We usually take all advice given by the patients neurologist and usually this means it is OK to have an epidural.
I really cannot comment much on the other aspects as I am really not an expert in this field. If worried I would recommend chatting to your GP or your Neurologist and ask them where you can get a further advice.
Sorry I can't help further.
Dr Ian Jackson