Double Vision in LGMD? - Muscular Dystrophy Message Board

Madalot · 03-12-2008, 07:05 AM

My neurologist has given me a diagnosis of LGMD. I have not undergone any testing to figure out which one because frankly, I can't afford to spend a lot on these tests.

Does anyone else have a problem with double vision? From what I've read, this doesn't seem to be a common symptom with LGMD. My neurologist(s) have said that I have restricted gaze -- I cannot follow their fingers as far up, down, left or right as normal.

As I've told my doctor, I find the double vision more of a problem when I'm tired. First thing in the morning I have the problem and sometimes in the evenings while watching TV in bed. I find it really frustrating sometimes because I'm trying to watch a program, but I see two of every person!!

I also find it sometimes if my husband and I go somewhere and I wait in the car for him while he does his errand. When he's walking back to the car, I see two of him coming!! Sometimes I can get my eyes to refocus, but sometimes I cannot.

I was just wondering if anyone else has this problem.

Kathy

michigani · 03-12-2008, 07:56 AM

Hi Kathy,

Does it feel like there's a little man inside your head gently tugging on the muscles of your eyes, like a rider pulling the reins on a horse? That's how I felt.

You might remember I started a thread "Vision Problems with MD...Anybody else?" dated 04-26-2006. It's quite a ways down the list. I experienced the same double vision. Not pleasant at all. You actually replied to my post back then. Anyway......the problem was bad for a while but I'm fortunate that it hasn't bothered me for over a year. Here's what I did about it:

Talked to my MDA doctor. He sent me to an Ophthalmologist. I explained the whole MD thing to him. He did a thorough eye and eye muscle exam. Saw no deterioration or problem that a "healthy" person wouldn't experience. So he didn't feel it was MD related. He wants to see me every 2 years.

I take a multi-vitamin every day to be sure I'm getting all my electrolytes. Also my MDA doctor asked me to try something: take a huge dose of CoQ10 if I'm experiencing the double vision and see if that helps. Well, I haven't really had a double vision episode since he asked so I don't know.

I've always felt the vitamins/electrolytes helped. But try to see an ophthalmologist to be sure. I know it's a very unnerving sensation.

Mark

SHANTACLARE61 · 03-12-2008, 08:37 AM

Dear Kathy,

Have you had your thyroid checked? The reason I ask is that I have been diagnosed with hypothyroid and am amazed at how many things thyroid is responsible for and alot mimics MD syptoms. I have had thigh pain, weaknes and tenderness for a few months now, and thought wow, is my MD progressing that much. Then with being recently having thyroid disorder I read that thigh pain etc. is a symptom! Iam going to my GP on Friday to try and figure this out. Vision problems are also something I noticed as a symptom.
I found alot of my info on this site. (Thyroid Disorders)

Mary

Madalot · 03-12-2008, 08:38 AM

Hi Mark --

Little man pulling on the muscles almost like reins? Yep, that pretty much describes it.

I'm sure I saw your earlier posts but I completely forgot about it. I'm finding that I forget a lot these days.

For now, I find the double vision just a major aggravation. I try to put a positive spin on this when possible -- hey, there's two of my husband coming!! That's wonderful!!

I see my neurologist in June for my yearly appointment and will discuss some of your suggestions with him then.

Thanks for replying!!

Madalot · 03-12-2008, 08:42 AM

Hi Mary --

Thanks for the info about thyroid. I know it was checked in the past, but I don't think it's been checked recently. I have an appointment with my GP in June and will discuss this with him at that time.

Kathy