Neuro Network

           When I was 12, I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri caused by idiopathic intercranial hypertension. In other words, my cerebral spinal fluid pressure was too high and was causing symptoms of a brain tumor. There is no known cause of this rare disease. 

            I didn’t know what was wrong with me at the time. My doctors were cautious with the information they told me. I was a fifth grader trying to enjoy recess and softball; however, the disease would get the best of me sometimes. I would have extended periods of blindness due to my optic nerve being crushed by the pressure. The headaches were so bad I would cry for hours a day. I was in and out of panicked specialists’ offices all over the Midwest. MRIs, CT scans, spinal taps, and bloodwork became routine. I remember one doctor telling me if they didn’t figure it out soon, I would be completely blind in two months. 

            After a few months of unsuccessful treatments, I was referred to Dr. Yee, the only neuro-ophthalmologist in Indiana, for an emergency appointment. He stayed in his office until 9pm that night waiting for me and my mom to arrive. I remember him telling me he had never seen such a severe case. He said there was one medication left to try, and although it was extremely harsh, he thought the results would be worth it.

            Dr. Yee prescribed Diamox. It’s a medication reserved for only the most severe cases in adults, for it is rarely prescribed to children. My mom was terrified but trusted his opinion. After a month of taking Diamox and dealing with the relentless side effects, I went in for another spinal tap. My cerebral spinal fluid levels were normal. Dr. Yee predicted my chance of going blind was now less than 1%. The headaches lessened and I was able to enjoy a full day of fifth grade for the first time in over six months. 

            Diamox was my saving grace. It gave me my quality of life back. Similarly to most medications, especially ones for neurological disorders, Diamox was developed using rodents. Its earliest forms were found not safe for humans, and the composition and dosage were perfected using mice and rats as human models in a controlled and ethical manner.

            If it weren’t for these few sacrificed rodents, I might still be suffering. I would most likely be blind. I am forever grateful for this medication, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the rodent models. In my opinion, the health and quality of life of patients with this disease, including myself, is worth the one-time sacrifice of these animals. 

            Diamox is not the only medication developed on animals. The leading Alzheimer’s and depression medications, just to name a couple, were all developed using animal models. The difference these therapies have made in millions of patients’ lives is undeniable. From someone who has suffered, I believe animal research should continue. More medications continue to be developed to save the lives of other patients just like myself. As a society, we cannot let this research slow. Patients are waiting.