perilymph fistula and increased intracranial pressure

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I haven't posted in a long time and had been managing fairly well, but this

past week has been challenging.

I have had imbalance and dizziness/lightheadedness constantly for a week

now. I will also have episodes of vertigo unpredictably with several near

falls. I have a long history of vestibular(inner ear-dizziness) problems

starting when I was 3. They could never figure out with certainty the cause.

About 15 years ago a doctor at Stanford diagnosed me with a perilymph

fistula, where there is a hole in one of the membranes in between the inner

and middle ears. This fistula or hole allows fluid to leak out causing the

imbalance and dizziness. I had a surgery to seal the hole and actually this

seemed to help prevent the severe episodes of vertigo.

I saw Dr. Frim in June and mentioned the history of perilymph fistula. He

said that some doctors now think there is a link between increased

intracranial pressure (possibly from chiari or other causes) and these

fistulas. I defintely think that there is a relationship between increased

intracranial pressure and the fistulas. I currently have symptoms of

increased intracranial pressure and symptoms as well similar to those I had

when a fistula was diagnosed. Interestingly, a hallmark sign of a perilymph

fistula is dizziness worsened by coughing, sneezing, straining, bending

over, etc..(things that increase intracranial pressure).

I am wondering if anyone else has been diagnosed with a perilymph fistula or

has similar symptoms of imbalance and dizziness in addition to other

symptoms suggestive of increased intracranial pressure.

I just started a trial of a diuretic to see if that might help. Has anyone

found any medications helpful for increased intracranial pressure?

I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions,

Thanks,

Jane

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