Bizarre brain problem. Can anyone help me figure this out?

Question

For the last two years almost, I have been experiencing some very unpleasant symptoms. I see little speckles or sparkles in my vision constantly. It looks like the white noise on a TV getting no signal. Research has shown me that this is called "visual snow," and there can be any number of causes for this. Also, I have a constant feeling that the world just isn't quite real, like I'm dreaming all the time. It's very unpleasant. This was also accompanied by frequent feelings of mild to moderate painful pressure on the right side of the back of my head.

I've seen a psychologist, who directed me to a psychiatrist, who directed me to a neurologist, who directed me to an ophthalmologist, who directed me to a regular doctor, who suggested that I see a psychologist...

I went back to the neurologist, who re-checked the MRI he gave me and discovered what he thought might be signs of some kind of tiny brain seizures. He prescribed Depakote, which thankfully made the headaches go away, but the visual snow and feelings of unreality persist. He then prescribed Tegretol, which I almost immediately developed a severe allergic reaction to, so I went off it and started taking Topamax.

So, now I've been taking Topamax for 4 weeks. In another 4 weeks, I will be taking the highest dose my doctor says is allowed. I have gotten no positive results from the Topamax yet, only side effects like tiredness and a little tingling in my fingers every now and then.

Here are my questions:

1. Has anyone else ever heard of a problem like mine?

2. Does any one know how long it takes Topamax to work?

3. Should I keep taking the Topamax even though it doesn't seem to be doing any good yet? Or should I start weaning myself off of it? (I would ask my doctor about this first, of course)

4. One of my doctors says that what I am experiencing is not tiny brain seizures, but a painless, two-year-long, constant migraine without end. Does such a thing exist?

Answer 1

A painless migraine? Isn't that like being a tiny bit endlessly pregnant without having a baby? Sorry, i don't buy that one. Ask your question to : neurologistonline.com. He will be able to advise you better. I sometimes see thoise little white things in my vision, I've been told they are just little bits of proteins breaking apart in my retina and that they go away become resorbed and are nothing to worry about. The feeling you are in a constant dream sounds like a mild disassociative disorder which could be some fluke in your brain chemistry and the two may not even be related. Stick with the medicaiton and see if it helps. And don't wean off and don't wean off anything without your doctors knowledge and advice. Remember: neurologistonline.com

Answer 2

I, too, was a depressed person for at least a year. Based on my experience, here's what helped me: 1. I changed my diet- I now eat more fresh veggies and fruits and a lot less junk foods. Because of this, my stress levels have dropped significantly. 2. TALK TALK TALK about your emotional problems with loved ones. It will make you feel better to get the drepession off your chest and you'll feel good that someone cares about you to take the time to listen. 3. Take a walk and count your blessings. Write down your passions. If you get off the couch and take a walk along the beach or other soothing sceenery, it will help you put your worries into perspective. 4. Finally- Get out and meet people! We human beings are not created to be alone. We are supposed to be social creatures. Having mates is a blessing, isn't it?

Answer 3

let me help you out dude, i know for 100% sure that the thing you are experiencing called "visual snow". i keep it short at this one because there are too many questions about this condition. all i can say (this will be hard but don't freak out, because its not cancer or something like that!) the thing is, there is currently no "real" cure for this. BUT there are sideways.. there is a slight chance of recovering but you need to calm down and avoid everything that causes stress. About docters, most of them don't know about this condition and prescribe meds that can worse your condition. I have this like 6-8 years now and in my cause its caused by experimentation with differed kind of drugs in my teenage years. think i was like 18-20, now 26.. Other cases of visualsnow are (some pp) with migraine and in my case its called: HPPD (hppd is cased by drugs, even a single pil or a bit of weed can **** a person up if he is sensible to it, excuse me for my english ;) but its a slightly rare, although alot pp can have this witout knowing its called visual snow). About the medicine u are taking, your are lucky that this is one of the little group of meds witch is recommended for this. I have experience with some recommended meds but not with this one. ( OH THIS SORRY FOR THIS --- >> I SEE THAT I AM REPLYING ON A SUBJECT THAT IS 4 YEARS OLD!! ). Oke for the pp who not knowing about this (im assuming that kiwikenobi found at what he has at this time in his hardtimes (life). for the best results on finding a solution for the visualsnow / migraine / hppd thing is to find a specialist or print evidence witch u can find on this website www.hpppdonline.com witch provide u with REAL PROOF that this thing is real and not some stupid bloodcells in the eye or some floaters. One last advice, stay the **** calm on this, you don't have braindmg, its something with the dopamine system in the brain that is unbalanced by some kind of reason. Also things like headpressure etc can go away (i had this too, now for years completly gone) and the visualsnow is still there but its stable and not going to be blind. thats impossible so far i know.



oke i keep it like this: make sure to check out this website and don't take meds u don't know about, don't just trust blind on ur docter! check on internet! only the pp who has this and a few experts know what its like and how to live with this (just like me at this point).



its best to take nothing but for me personally benzo's like xanax work, but dont start on this only if u really need it because u will get addicted very fast.



general info: www.eyeonvision.org / www.visualsnow.com

communitypage: www.hppdonline.nl

from eyeonvision.org: just u know:

"

Most come back within normal range, leading doctors to believe that patients may be making their symptoms up. CT scans and MRIs also tend to come back normal, again stumping doctors. It is more likely to be an undetectable chemical imbalance in the brain."



So about meds the is one med that showed huge improvements but for others it does nothing its called "sinemet", i will test this med soon and hope for a better life.



for the pp reading, I'm a little bit ashamed by now seeing this post be like ******* 4 years old but for the sake of a better life i hope i had something about this tiny bit of info on this subject. and plz administrators? plz remove posts like "wtf", like in this topic. i mean this is not some kind of sick joke we are talking about. this person has a chance (like me), to be ever cured again and see the world like it was again. its not the end of the word but it has to be taken serious(causes for most pp more and more mental probs, like depression etc, for pp like me... )



ait, take care website and pp. over and out!

Answer 4

wtf