I would like to share a small victory. 2.5 years ago, I had a ruptured aneurysm/SAH at the right PICA in the cerebellum. Approx 3-4 months after discharge, I developed vertigo/tinnutus, double vision. I went to see approx 8 physicians from my Neuro-Surgeon, Neurologist, ENT, Ophthalmologist, Neuro Ophthalmologist, PCP, 2 Headache Neurologist, Family Vision Specialist. The MRI/CT scan did not show any infarct. As the one specialist mentioned to me, infarct of the inner ear is difficult to detect in MRI/CT scan. But, one question that I always had is that the AICA not the PICA feeds the inner ear. It was explained that AICA/PICA is complicated and there has been cases of hearing loss due to PICA vascular event. In addition, ENT discounted mid bone which is usually attributed to mid range hearing loss. So, there were still open questions so the strategy was treating the symptoms. I treated initially diagnosed as peripheral issue, then saw another specialist who treated as a pathway (vestibular migraine), then now under care of another specialist who treated as a central vestibular issue as the bleed was close to the vestibular nuclei.
However, as patients, there is a comfort to find the cause. In a recent public aneurysm event, a renowned Neuro-Surgeon spoke. For privacy, I will not mention his name as i am not his patient. After the talk, I asked him whether he has seen post issues with hearing loss from a PiCA rupture. He told me that he has seen a similar case. For PICA cases, it only account for 2% of aneurysm cases so clinical data is limited. For me, having this information is a small victory as it solves one big mystery. I still have open questions on trouble with LED lights at night and auditory problems (like hearing too much) so at least I leap passed one hurdle.
As survivors of SAH/ruptured Annie, we were close to the brink then came back as new people. It is not our faults that we developed disabilities. We just need to keep the fight and find things to cope and adjust in a positive way. This board and its member definitely has been helpful to me. Thank you