Question
Hi! I am a 28 y/o f with chronic back pain with no known cause. My MRi seemed basicall okay, anyway. So my doctor suggested lumbar and cervical epideral injections. I had 3 done last week on my lower back and it has helped so much! I am even thinking of jogging tomorrow. But my middle and upper back as well as neck and shoulders are hurting a lot. I mean, worse than ever. And I have developed some weird symptoms, like double vision up close, severe agitation and mania ( i have bipolar), severe memory loss, and loss of coordination. I am going to call the doctor in the morning, but i saw my eye doctor and he said my eyes looked weird, like I had vein and artery deepening, like someone with very high blood pressure or stroke. Is this all weird coinsidence, or is something going on? Help please.

Answer
Hello Jessica and thanks for writing,

I am not a physician but I am very worried about the symptoms you describe to me and I do think something is going on. It may be due to swelling from the injections, or it may be more serious - either way, you must go get thoroughly examined by a qualified physician, and see a Neurologist if you can. Do not let some rushed GP brush you aside, insist on a thorough assessment and tell them all your symptoms since the treatments (write them down now so you won't forget any).

I don't mean to scare you, but there are some potentially very serious complications that can occur with spinal injections.

If you have any more changes to your eyesight or dizziness I would go straight to an emergency room.

Wishing you good health and a speedy recovery.

Margot