Needing advice

[LMD79]

Communities>Chiari Malformation>Search: "I am 36yrs old and have recently been diagnosed with Chiari malformation. On the mri it only showed the tonsils extending 4mm. I have not seen a specialist, only my regular physician. I do expierence mild to moderate headaches, and some dizziness. I am really struggling the most with pain and tingling in arms, hands, and sometimes my feet. Writing, driving, and sleeping can be very difficult at times. I also have noticed that if I drink alcohol, the symptoms are worse, and will last the entire day. I have also noticed that I have worsening memory and concentration. Almost as if I am developing some form of ADD. I just am not sure if a 4mm malformation justifies seeing a specialist, or if anything can be done. I am really needing some advise, and to know if others are expierencing the same symptoms."

[LMD79]

Thank you for your response! I really appreciate it

[selmaS]

@LMD79- Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.
The length of herniation is not the only criteria that needs to be looked at...with Chiari you could have other related conditions that have similar symptoms....and it is possible the angel or slice the MRI was set at for you may not have shown all that was going on....it is possible to 1- not use the best magnification of machines, 2- take pics of the are of the outer edge of the herniation which could be misleading and cause it to be smaller then it actually is.

Did you get copies of your MRI on a disk and a copy of your report? If not request copies and going forward get copies of ALL testing you have done....and more testing will help you and a true Chiari specialist guide you in the right direction for you.
Yes, your symptoms are pretty typical of what others with Chiari , syringomyelia and a few other conditions  have reported...so more testing will help determine if Chiari alone is causing yours,