Is this a chiari symptom?

[lynnbrook177]

Hello all, (or should I say y'all, ha),

I have chiari 1, and my biggest complaint is when my ears get so full that it feels like my throat is closing up and I can't get enough air in. It also seems to go into my chest, like my lungs aren't working right or maybe even my heart!  I've already been to emerge this month re fluttering pains in my chest that went to my jaw. They did an EKG and blood tests and both were negative. I don't have a lot of stomach issues usually so I doubt it was gerd. I do get mild random little pains in my chest occasionally.  I hate to think these symptoms are alway chiari when they could actually be from an unrelated cause. I do have chronic sinusitis but with very little mucosal congestion?  I am awaiting a cardiologist and internist appt.  My blood pressure is actually really good at 110/72 Approx. (We have a monitor at home so I check regularly). I would appreciate your thoughts and experiences! Thanks so much! H

[lynnbrook177]

Hi Selma, just thought I'd update, as I said i would. Well, cardiologist found nothing. That's a good thing! I asked him if chiari could affect nerves that in turn could affect the heart and blood pressure. He said well that would have to have something to do with the cerebellum. Ummm, ya, I had to tell him that chiari does affect the cerebellum. Anyway, I haven't felt the strong dizziness or blood pressure drops since I've been drinking more fluids, so more fluids were definitely needed. My symptoms have been good lately. Had a recent Mri of brain and neck and all is ok. That said, I feel the fatigue and head pressure today. I rarely have pain so I am learning not to complain about the little things.  I hope you're feeling well! Happy holidays!

[gjjl]

I often have a full sensation in my left ear for many years I thought it was infections but recently found out its from the chiari. I also have fluttering in the chest area daily. Went to the cardiologist with a clear check up. Might be chiari related. Glad so far your checking out well!!!! Idk if these symptoms are chiari related but the fullness in the ear was confirmed by neurosurgeon. Best of luck

[lynnbrook177]

Yes, I think I may experience the anxiety symptoms as well. Before my DX, I didn't know what anxiety was. So it it confusing sometimes, not knowing if it is a chiari symptom or something I'm causing myself!

[tattooer601]

Chiari symptoms are so wide spread through the body.
I still await a specialist,but want to say many times when my head pressure symptoms rise anxiety kicks in overdrive and causes me to panic.
  Through time I've learned to meditate when in bad pain + it settles my nerves a good bit.

[selmaS]

  Thanks for the update....glad it was not the heart.....

There are so many things that can cause similar if not the same symptoms...glad you found you needed more hydration.....easy fix there.

Weather can still affect how you feel, but it can and does get better with time...at least it did for me...weather still can get me and if I  do too much can too....but I am soooooooooooo much better now

Merry Christmas to you too .

[lynnbrook177]

Thanks Selma! Appointments are soon. I will update afterwards. I wonder if a cardiologist will know if there is heart activity caused by nerves affected by chiari??

[selmaS]

@lynnbrook177- I went and had my heart checked out as Chiari and other related conditions can affect the heart....so it is a good idea to be checked and rule it out and establish a baseline for your heart.

[selmaS]

@lynnbrook177-  Along with Chiari we are often plagued with related conditions....and sometimes our symptoms appear to be something unrelated or not connected to Chiari....BUT most ALL of our symptoms can be traced back to Chiari....POTS can affect our hearts as well as EDS and Chiari alone....it is best to see a cardiologist and check your heart...( I did this as well) so you will have a baseline as you get older....
Most Chiari specialists will look to rule out ALL related conditions so they know how your overall health is being affected.