What causes dizziness and double vision after suffering from viral meningitis?
Patient: I am a 50 year old female and have always been in good health. About four weeks ago I was diagnosed with viral meningitis after a CT Scan, MRI (with and without contrast) and a lumbar puncture. I never had a fever or stiff neck - only a headache that would not go away and vomiting on several occasions. I also developed double vision about 10 days after the headache started. The day before the double vision started I had received a clean MRI; however, once my vision was affected (on a Friday afternoon) my primary doctor suggested I may need to go to the ER. The next morning on Saturday I felt worse and experienced more vomiting so I headed to the ER. They admitted me and after 5 days in the neuro ICU and a round of every test they could run, the final diagnosis was (or it seemed like their best guess) was viral meningitis. I ve now been home from the hospital for three weeks and still do not feel well. Additionally, I have seen a neuro-opthalmologist specialist that agrees with the diagnosis. She reviewed the results of the lumbar puncture as well as conducted a round of tests, and she did not find any permanent damage and believes the double vision is post-viral. I still have headaches and feel like I am slightly dizzy and like I am in a bit of a fog. My neurologist says to rest, drink plenty of fluids and be patient; however, I am very depressed and worried that I am never going to feel well again. Also, the double vision is terrible...although the opthalmologist says it is normal for this to take up to several months to go away. Additionally, the neurologist says you are fortunate that you did not suffer a stroke, seizures, memory loss...and that you are walking and talking . While I am greatful that I did not suffer those things, I have not worked in 5 weeks and have no quality of life. The feeling of being in a fog is worse than the headaches. As soon as I get up and start moving around, I feel strange and feel like I should sit down. I am eating and drinking the fluids as the doctor suggested and resting all the time. Because I m not getting any real clear answers from the doctor, I have spent a lot of time reading articles on the Internet and I am very scared now. Most documentation out there says I should have been better in 7-10 days with Viral Meningitis; however, there are numerous stories of people that say their lives have never been the same and they were sick for months (some years)! At this point I don t know what to do. If I go to another Neurologist for a second opinion, I am pretty sure that my insurance will not cover an additional round of the same tests. The current Neurologist is at a loss other than doing a 3rd MRI - and the insurance company has not yet authorized. Doctor: Hi, I am Dr.Bruno.  I have read your question and understand your concerns. Let me try to help you Question : What causes dizziness and double vision after suffering from viral meningitis?Answer : Meningitis Causes Scarring (damage) of Sub arachnoid spaces. It is through these spaces blood vessels that carry blood to your brain stem travel Assume the Blood vessels as flexible pipes (or hoses) that carry water. What will happen if some stones are thrown over them. They will compress the flexible pipes. Isn' tit Same way Due to Meningitis, the areas around the blood vessels (Sub Arachnoid Spaces) are damaged. Hence they interfere with Blood Circulation to your brain stemThis causes dizziness and Double Vision Some Times, The Nerves can also be directly involved by the scarring (That is electric lines running along the pipes) Most of these cases will heal completely Anyhow, I would advise you to do another MRI after 4 weeks and compare both Hope you found the answer helpful.If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.Let me know if I can assist you further.Take care.