How Can an Otolaryngologist Help?

I'm back from a two month "Twilight Zone" on Lexapro, & since that didn't work the way the NL thought it would he has suggested I see an otolaryngologist. Had to look that one up & (hope I don't offend anyone by saying this) it sounds like this type of dr is a glorified ENT. I'm not sure where the NL is going with this so can anyone out there help me out? Have any of you seen such a specialist? And if you have, what have your experiences been?

I don't know if the NL is still grasping at straws because he doesn't believe my symptoms are Chiari related or is he really trying to help me deal with some of my symptoms (in this case my lack of balance issues & the 'falling'/dizzy/lightheadedness episodes) because the NS says I am not a candidate for surgery yet.

As usual, any info would be great appreciated  -Jean

[selmaS]

Hi...have no idea what specilaity that is, so I can't say, but if u looked it up and feel that is the rt ur NL is taking.With chiari we do have many ENT like issues.....

Was the NS a true chairi specialist?.....refresh my memory as to y u r not a candidate.....

Mayb u need a NL with a bit more chiari experience as well.

"selma"

[WeddingJean]

Oh boy do I ever need a 'specialist' whether NL or NS!!!! The NS is experienced with Chiari but not a specialist. I'm still searching, however that effort is on one of my back burners at the moment because of my husband's heart/health issues...I am really really worried about him. I don't think it is healthy for his BP to go from 207/111 to 85/65. Believe it or not, he is getting abit of a run-around from his drs too. I was under the impression that hearts were better known organs than the issues us Chiarians face. He doesn't feel any pain or discomfort so he isn't taking his issues too seriously either. My father never had any heart attack symptoms until the one that took his life, so you can understand my concern with my husband.

Since my CINE-MRI came back with 'normal' flow results, the NS said I am not a candidate for surgery (he said maybe in another 3 to 5 yrs...does that mean the herniations get worse?), so I am trying to find ways to deal with my symptoms. I think at this time my balance & falling/dizzy/lightheadness issues should be addressed because I could be a danger to myself & others (I still drive). I guess if this otolaryngologist can help with this I should hear what he has to say. Can BPPV be a 'side effect' of CM1 or is this another disorder I have to deal with? I think that the CM1 is the real reason for my symptoms & not BPPV especially since the Brandt-Daroff exercises haven't helped.

Here's a question my mom asked me about CSF flow...she wonders if maybe the flow isn't 'normal' all of the time & it just happened that when I had the CINE-MRI done it was. Is that a possibility? Could I have 'floppy' tonsils that allow normal flow & then 'flop' into a position that causes constriction?

Thank you for your concern & support and am I ever glad to be back!!  -Jean

[selmaS]

Jean, think of it like this....if u have a sock with marbles in it and u put it in a tube and hold it vertically it will block more then if u lie the tube down....just like when u stand the tonsils will be in a different position then if u r lying down...this is Y some NS have the CINE done while sitting....gravity can affect this.

[Shane99]

An otolaryngologist or an otologist can help with the balance issues. They will run some tests and probably send you to a "Fall Prevention" therapist. I didn't think that would help me, but it really did.

You might seriously consider giving up on driving - that's been the hardest on me, but one little dizzy spell and you could wreck and kill someone . . . and it's just not worth it to me.

And yes, herniations can get larger quick! You need to have an MRI at least once a year if not every 6 months.