Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, and thank you for being there.  My question is this:
Two days after Christmas of 2007, I was about to lay down to go to sleep....when something "exploded"..."ruptured" or popped in my head.  The room started spinning, I became very nauseated and was extremely dizzy after the spinning stopped.  I sat on the edge of the bed trying to decide if I could make it to the phone to call 911.
    But before I could call anything I felt like I was going to pass out.  That overwhelming feeling when you are so sleepy you cannot hold your eyes open.  I was out like a light.  I woke up several times during the night, sweating and clammy.  Went right back to sleep.
    I was checked out in the ER the following day.  I had a cat scan and spinal tap.  The fluid was clear.  I have been scheduled for an MRI but could not tolerate it without sedation.  The doctor's ofc is working on that now.
    I have developed severe headaches behind my eyes, which subsides if I sit up, nausea, double vision.  
    Several months ago, I was having some of these symptoms along with the feeling of lactating.  My doctor thought I might have a tumor on my pituitary gland.  But the scan came back negative.
    These symptoms....pressure behind my eyes, double vision, feelings of disorientation, dizziness for some time.
...plus swelling of my left leg, have been there, but subtle for quite awhile.  
    Can you possibly shed some light on this for me?  I have had my sinuses checked, I have felt something "crawling" in my ear....my ear checked out ok. and now my headaches are getting bad since I felt the pop in my head.
    Thank you very much.  "Frankie"


ANSWER: I'm a medical oncologist and radiation therapist with experience in treating brain tumors. I'm NOT a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. I do not diagnose brain tumours I treat them. So your question should be directed to an expert of neurology or neurosurgery!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there someone on this site who might can help me?  I have had breast cancer and radiation, so I am glad to have at least touched base with you.  Thank you for being there. I am now going to rate your site/answer.  Very helpful.
Thank you
"Frankie"

Answer
You have several other experts here that you can check. You did not tell me at first that you have had breast cancer. That makes the MRI brain scan very important but if nothing is found you most probably do NOT have a brain tumor and a neurologist should take care of your examination. If something IS found, please let me know!