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Choroid Plexus Papilloma Post Surgery Questions
Dear Dr. Joshua, I had surgery 12/04 to remove a benign choriod plexus papilloma in the fourth ventrical. I now suffer from double vision, lack of coordination (left side) and poor balance. All of which have improved slightly, can I expect further improvement after two years?
How often should I have follow-up MRI's? In the past two years, scans have also shown mastoiditis and fluid in both maxillary sinuses and the mastoid air cells. I have seen two ENT's who blame my pain and balance problems on the brain surgery, the neurosurgeon told me to find another ENT. What do you think?
My last scan six months ago showed postsurgical changes in the posterior fossa midline and within the left cerebellar hemishere with residual areas of encephalomalacia. There is also an enlarged thecal sac in the upper cervical region that extends posteriorly and left laterally. This has remained stable compared to last scan. What is a thecal sac?
Thank you for your help. I am really glad I found this site! It is nice to know that I am not alone and to read about others who have gone through similiar ordeals.
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Choroid Plexus Papilloma Post Surgery Questions
Hi, thanks for your question. The answer is here:
Answer:
Katiedid
Dr. Joshua, Thank you for answering my questions. Here is some more info: Yes, a gross total resection was achieved. The pathology report came back as benign. No evidence of hydrocephalus on last MRI. Scar is in middle of the back of my head, posterior occipital lobe craniotomy. When I woke up after the surgery the right side of my face was paralyzed, had tremors in left arm and leg and double vision. My face came back to life in a few weeks, I have almost all control of my left side, I can walk and write again(left handed) and my eyes work together (no double vision) when I look down. I am seeing a neuro-opthalmologist who has prescribed prism lenses to help with the double vision. He is familiar with this type of nerve damage.
I still get headaches, but I had them before the surgery as well. Loud noises cause pain to my right ear, and there is a feeing of fullness there. That is the side that was affected by the surgery.
I have heard there is a very small chance of this type of tumor recurring, in fact my doctor said this was one of the best kinds of brain tumors you could hope for. Will I be having MRI's for the rest of my life? and how often? Again thank you for your response.