Chiari malformation or something else?

[GeoDiva]

Hi,
I've had a headache (a really weird headache) for almost 2 months now.  I had a MRI done and it showed ectopic right cerebellar tonsil without hydrocephalus.  Tonsil is extending 7 mm below the foramen magnum.  

My symptoms include:
Constant headache that varies in pain levels, locations, and pain type, although its most on my right side.
Trouble forming words. I comprehend just fine, but it's like my tongue and jaw lock up.  This occurs mostly when the headache is worse.
Anxiety
Fatigue
NO memory and I can't concentrate - it's impacting my work.
Slight off-balance feeling that comes and goes
Nausea that comes and goes
Blurred vision in my right eye and sometimes a pressure like the eyeball is swollen.
Constant ringing in my ears.

The neurologist said the tonsil is not the cause of my headache and he wants to start me on migraine meds.

Here is where I am confused.
I had an MRI done 5 years ago for an entirely different reason. The radiologist report states, "No evidence of Chiari malformation."  I gave my recent neurologist copies of the MRI scan and the radiologist summary, but they lost them.  I mentioned bringing them new copies, but was told comparing the two scans wouldn't tell them anything. (The MRIs were done at different facilities due to different insurances.)

So, do Chiari malformations just appear?  Obviously my right tonsil has distended 7mm in the last 5 years.
And, why don't they want to use both MRIs for comparison purposes?  
I think I need to be a little more educated on the subject so that when I talked to the docs, I'm not so overwhelmed with medical terms.  I've done a ton of research on line, but I cannot find anything on the malformation just showing over or worsening over time.

I started telling my family and co-workers the headache is gone, because it was just becoming "white noise" to everyone.  People were losing patience with me, like I'm being too sensitive or I'm exaggerating.

Any thoughts???  Please!!

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.
NO Chiari can not just appear....but low lying tonsils may due to an injury to the head or neck area.Chiari is a malformation of the skull which causes the tonsils to herniate....low lying tonsils can be forced out due to blunt force trauma....
Were  you in a MVA or have any injury?

It is very important that the Drs you see are true Chiari specialists.And you are so right the more you educate yourself the better you will be able to pick the right Dr for you.
Finding Drs that know and understand how this condition affects us is difficult so to get family, friends and co-workers to get it is not easy and we can't expect them to...give them time and allow them to educate themselves...invite them to join you here...only those that choose to educate themselves on this condition will be able to offer support to you....

[selmaS]

I wanted to add a few more things as I thought more on your questions....Many Drs do not consider a herniation of less then 5mm's or larger to be Chiari...the problem is the herniation is the result of the malformed skull which is Chiari....and not all know how to DX and understand the condition. It is also possible if the first MRI was done with different magnification and angles for the herniation to appear smaller...when in fact is was just the angle....so your herniation may have been the same size since your last MRI.....as I mentioned before, finding the right Dr is key.
I hope I did not confuse you, and please ask questions if I have.....

[GeoDiva]

No, you did not confuse me and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your response. Let me see if I understand correctly. It's more likely that I have herniated tonsils, not Chiari because I don't have malformation of my skull. But, it could also be nothing based on the two different MRIs with different angles.
I have not been injured or in any MVAs.  Moving forward, I think for now, I'll just play the waiting game. I don't want to take migraine meds so until something gets worse, I don't think the neuro will be supportive (and I'm not up for pushing just yet). Otherwise, maybe this thing will clear up and won't be related to a herniation.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

[selmaS]

That is a possibility....BUT you do have to wait until you see a Dr well experienced with Chiari and ALL related conditions to see just what your DX is.not all Drs are giving us the right DX and info.
You may also want to know that Chiari symptoms can cycle...so they can come and go and when they leave it could be a few days to a few months to a year and it seems like you have nothing to worry about, until it returns....so enjoy if you do indeed get a break like this...I had a few over the years and it always felt like it must have been I was over worked or stressed that cause me to fee like that cause now it's gone....lol...no such luck....but the time it leaves is nice
I pray you do only have something other then Chiari...but if symptoms persist do look further into this as your MRI may have been read wrong.

Keep me posted on how you are doing.