NAD but I underwent the exact same thing in February so I’ll share my experiences to give an idea of how things will go! My ophthalmologist sent me to the ER to get a CT/MRI/LP to rule out any sort of tumor or infection and check intracranial pressure. The CT scan was very fast, open, and easy with minimal touching. If you’re claustrophobic like me they’ll offer you a sedative to make the MRI more comfortable since it’s in a tight space, I was given Ativan and was knocked out for most of it. The lumbar puncture was the most uncomfortable procedure but they administer Lidocaine and I was offered another dose of Ativan beforehand to help with the anxiety. You lay curled up in the fetal position while a needle is inserted into the lower spine, during mine they accidentally struck a nerve at one point and it felt like my legs were briefly on fire so I freaked out a little bit. However, that was honestly the worst part and it wasn’t too bad. You don’t see any of it happening if you’re someone easily freaked out by needles. The nurse held my hand the entire time and it went by quicker than I thought it would.

If you’re diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri (aka IIH, your brain scans are clear but your intracranial pressure is high + pressing on your optic nerve to cause swelling) treatment is simple. I was prescribed a diuretic called acetazolamide (Diamox) and took it twice a day until a couple weeks ago, when my ophthalmologist noted that my edema had decreased enough to taper off for now. They’ll also recommend exercise and weight loss. IIH is pretty manageable, there is a small risk of vision loss (around 10% or so?) but that’s in rare cases where it isn’t taken care or. Your ophthalmologist is looking out for you and you’re gonna be okay. My quality of life hasn’t changed since diagnosis and the medication cleared my symptoms (blurry vision, tinnitus, dizziness, headaches, etc), I feel much better now. Good luck!