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I had an MRI done recently for an ear issue (which ended up showing nothing).. they did end up finding an empty sella though. On my report from the MRI it states this finding can be seen in patients with raised intracranial pressure or endocrinopathy? I am waiting on an appointment with neurology to discuss the findings and what steps need to be taken. In the meantime, I am looking for any information that you can provide.. please. Has anyone dealt with this? If it is due to intracranial pressure, what will be done? Am I going to be okay? I'm shaken up over this as I am young and have four amazing children who depend on me. Thank you in advance.
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It seems I had MRI 2016 that said empty sella and not one of my Drs mentioned it to me. I had an MRI end of 2022 and it showed the same and when I saw it I questioned what is it. I compared to the 2016 and wanted to know why no one even noticed?. I went to Dr because of the many days of headaches. (Not migraine) and I have a blocked ear that sounds like when you are in air flight. But it won’t pop out of it. I get sharp intense pains below the ear and above the ear. No one found a thing wrong with my ear. It’s been a year since it began. Neurologist said he could do a spinal to see if spinal fluid is going into the sella or I could take topamax. (I said head aches are mild but steady and last days) so no to topamax. My testosterone levels are steadily high, I’m post menopausal. I have unbearable night sweats. My hair has fallen like a guy. I cannot lose weight no matter how hard I try and I do try. I walked with quick sprints five miles daily for two years with no results and I suddenly started getting too fatigued to complete my regime. Out of nowhere. I have maintained good organic eating habits, vegetarian for decades. Gluten free, low carb, seafood. So my foods should not cause weight issues. However they have and I can adjust to smaller portions and nothing happens. I do not drink or smoke. I became hypothyroid about ten yrs ago. I do not know if the empty sells was there then but I suspect so. My thyroid meds are very low dose 50mg a day and in ten years have never had a dosage change. Unlike others who have a clear and present thyroid issue get upped all of the time. My vision is really blurry, I have so much trouble seeing and need a lot of light to see anything. Very tired eyes that are difficult to open from sleep, I push them open with my fingers. I feel the thyroid meds have caused major digestion issues as well as osteoporosis. I feel if there was something that could be done about the sella the rest would resolve including the thyroid. Anyone?
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Hi @amomma4, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion group about Empty Sella Syndrome. I did this so you can meet others who have this condition like @menville @jmb73 @cshrubb @sdsavage @cherrylistic @dankshin and more. Click VIEW & REPLY to read through past posts.
I find the information about empty sella syndrome on the NORD site to be excellent https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/empty-sella-syndrome/
It is upsetting to read the results of testing before being able to meet with a specialist. Waiting for an appointment with neurology must be tough. Most patients with ESS don't need treatment if they are not experiencing symptoms. Are you experiencing any symptoms? Has your ear issue been resolved?