Am I Crazy or is there something wrong?

[wina1969]

I had an MRI done on Friday!  I haven't seen the report but the only thing that my family physician stated that they noted was a "mild" cerebellar tonisl ectopia.  I am being referred to a NS.  If this thing is mild then why am I having all of these symptoms?  The first MRI listed the herniation of 7-8 mm.  Am I just a whimp?  The ringing in my ears, the neck pain, the headaches, the burn down my neck and into my left arm, the memory loss and loss of focus-can not all be my imagination!   This is driving me crazy!  Does anyone know of a good NS in Hickory, NC?

[selmaS]

I have no idea y the symptoms cycle...my thoughts r that depending on weather and other outside factors we may have an overproduction of CSF and at those times we r in a flare....and then for what ever reason...it calms down.....not sure......

Maybe ur dr can answer that...I forgot to ask....

"selma"

[jorlex137]

Do you know why they (symptoms) cycle?  I have often wondered if that was the case!?!

[selmaS]

U r welcome...a fall or a MVA can trigger the herniation to grow or the symptoms to flare.....as I may have said b4 because this is congential we tend to think some symptoms as normal issues and don't recognize them.

This is a very frustrating condition as it doesn't have much awareness in the medical field or the private sector.

Also, the symptoms can cycle as well....u can have a rough spot and then seem ok and then u r in a rough spot again....

"selma"

[wina1969]

Thanks for the insight.  I never experienced any symptoms except for headaches until I was involved in a MV accident.  I hope that I can find someone to help or better yet to believe me when I tell them my symptoms.  This is frustrating and I don't feel like doing anything because I feel so crappy.  Thanks for the info.  It is nice to know that there is a forum to express thoughts and concerns.

[selmaS]

Hi....welcome to the chiari forum.

The problem is most drs have not had intensive training on chiari and may be going on older info when they classify the chiari as mild.

Most NS and NL don't even mention it unless it is a herniation of 5 mm or more, when the size is not the issue.It depends on if the herniation is causing a blockage and if u have overcrowding. Symptoms and quality of life r the next things that a chiari specialist will look at.

SInce u r in NC u may want to look at possibly seeing Dr Rosner......we have a thread of chiari specialists here on the forum...please research the dr u will see.

"selma"