Double Vision and Pseudomeningocele?

General
1

I am six days post-op for a decompression with C-1 laminectomy and dural patch (July 2). I am recovering fairly well, without a ton of pain, just a fair amount of tightness in my neck muscles.

I worry, though, that I have a pseudomeningocele. I clearly hear water when I put weight on my incision line. What I discovered yesterday is that putting weight against the incision line also causes double vision.

My family took me to see "Brave" yesterday afternoon, and it seemed best to use the headrest rather than try to support my head myself for the whole movie. When I rested my head against the headrest, though, everything got double.

So, my friends, anyone else experience this?

I called the NS resident (who doesn't know much, but was my weekend contact), and he wasn't worried. I know some NS suggest that in some cases, the psuedo will resolve itself. Can anyone give advice or time frames? My gut instinct is to hop into a CINE MRI on Monday, but that might be pointless if this could resolve itself in a three-month time frame (just a guess).

I also have another vision change post-op.

Pre-op, I could feel pressure behind my left eyeball. Post-op, they noticed that my left eye is more dilated than my right, but that both are reactive to light. My actual vision isn't as good as it was pre-op, at least not yet. For example, I can't comfortably read the same font on my phone as I always read pre-op. I do notice I still have external swelling around my eyes, probably just from surgery, which also could be a factor.

So, comments on the double vision and a psuedo?

2

My child got strange symptoms when the fluid under her incision was compressed, including vision changes, so yes there could be a connection. Docs told us that some fluid is common and most resolve on its own. Just rest as much as you can and avoid compressing that area. Can you email your NS? Ours responds rather quickly and if I were you I would avoid the resident or NP on his team. Best of luck!