For 28 yr old, Rashi Singh*, a PHD student, it all started with toothache. Troubled with pain in her wisdom tooth she went through a routine dental surgery – molar extraction – in her home town Ludhiana. However post surgery her face swelled up and she started to develop problems in seeing. The pain medication and the eye drops didn’t help her at all. “My entire face got distorted. I got really scared. Worried if the damage is not permanent; a doctor advised that I go through a MRI investigation to understand if any underlying issue is responsible. I was suffering from intense pain, swelling, blurred and double vision. Moreover my right eye ball stopped moving,” shares Rashi.
The MRI investigations suggested a brain infection. “It was a very testing time for my family. Being young you are supposed to care for your elders, but here I was being taking care of. My father decided to consult the best neurosurgeon for my case, that’s how we came across Dr Mehta’s name. Every doctor in Ludhiana suggested that we go to Paras to consult him.”
Post consultation and viewing her reports, Dr (Prof) VS Mehta, Padmashree, Director of Neurosciences, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon diagnosed a Cavernous Sinus Tumor and also suspected a fungal infection. He suggested an immediate surgery along with treatment for the fungal infection in the brain.
According to Dr VS Mehta, “Patients suffering from cavernous sinus tumors most frequently present with ocular motor deficit (eye related issues) like blurred and double vision, unequalisation of the size of the pupils, or even complete paralysis of the eye muscles and the area surrounding the same. Trigeminal nerve dysfunction – a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal or 5th cranial nerve- can be present with facial numbness or facial pain. In such cases it is important to determine a patient’s medical. Information about any prior treatment including resection (including operative report), pathological study results if available, irradiation, and medical treatment should be obtained. Physical examination should include a complete and thorough neurological examination. Assessment of motor, sensory, cerebellar function, as well as coordination status provides insight into the impact of any tumor.”
He further adds, “Magnetic resonance imaging is currently the best neurodiagnostic study for the evaluation of a suspected cavernous sinus tumor. The MRI Imaging highlighted the size of the sinus tumor and made us decide on surgery as the treatment option. Surgery would help the patient get treated for the tumor and ensure that the eye muscles are not subjected to irradiation for any further treatment.”
Post a right temporal craniotomy and tumor excision surgery, Rashi as discharged and advised oral medication and follow ups. Her vision improved and she regained control over her right eye muscles. Moreover post surgery there was no complication – no redness in the eye, fever or weakness.
“Surgery is a scary word and just the thought of a neuro surgery completely shook me. But the surgery and post operative care as so smooth that it changed my perception. My experience also taught me – the best doctor ensures that you get the best care,” shares Rashi.
Today it has been 3 weeks post surgery and she has no complains. You ask her the reason for her visit, she smiles, “It’s an invitation for my wedding. The person who gave me a new life deserves to be a part of new life stage too.”
*Name Changed
