Success alleviating vertigo with decompression Surgery?

[ecosette]

I have a 10mm chiari malformation. It was diagnosed by MRI in 2009. At the time, the neurosurgeon said surgery wasn't indicated because I was just having periodic Typical headaches when I coughed or was under stress. He said my BPPV that I was starting to experience was probably not related. Since then I have had many bouts of vertigo. I have seen an ENT and been treated by physical therapists. Recently the bouts have been occurring every few weeks. The physical therapist noticed trouble with my gaze, nystagmus, etc. and has given my eye exercises to do. He also has performed several Eppley maneuvers, however I now wake most mornings with disequilibrium and feeling tired. I do notice that If I hold my head to the left I can bring on dizziness. I have had an MRI and MRA, as well as bloodwork and have an appointment with a neurologist next week. None of these issues are completely debilitating, but it is frustrating and I rarely feel fine. I also notice a buzzing in my head, fullness in my ears at times, as if I am under water. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced there symptoms and any info on what they may have done about it. I am worried that having surgery may make me feel worse, rather than better, but not sure how to take care of this. I have other issues with herniated cervical discs neuropathy, and have had several concussions, so I suppose I should be happy I am not worse off.  I try to walk and do gentle yoga, but the yoga seems to bring on the vertigo at times.

[lasel22]

I had vertigo and disequilibrium as part of my symptoms and I had surgery this past October.  I have not had vertigo since surgery but I do still feel dizzy sometimes and have a slight feeling of disequilibrium.  But it is MUCH better since surgery, although I do wish it was completely gone.  It tends to happen if I push myself and do too much.  Most of my other symptoms are gone.  The dizziness, vertigo, and disequilibrium kept me housebound much of the time before surgery and now I am taking care of my kids and running errands and cleaning the house without help.  

My first episode of vertigo was BPPV and going through the epley maneuver got rid of the vertigo.  It's interesting to note that my positional vertigo happened after my first major pressure headache.  Not sure if it could be related.  My chiari symptoms soon started after that first episode of BPPV.  My symptoms started with muscle tightness, leg pain and tingling for a period of months, then I had some strange autonomic symptoms like flushing and swelling, then it wasn't till a year after my BPPV episode that I had constant vertigo and disequilibrium. So, then every time I went to the doctor saying I was dizzy they thought it was BPPV, but I was never affected by the epley maneuver, my eyes wouldn't move back and forth, so it wasn't due to crystals in the ear.

My symptoms would also be alleviated by rest, and it got to the point that I couldn't do anything but be in bed all day sometimes.  Then I would try getting up again and within a couple days I'd be back in bed again.  I'm much better now.

[selmaS]

  Yeah...fun...lol....good for you....that should make it easier for you ....keep us posted on your progress.

[selmaS]

  It is possible Chiari is responsible for the symptoms you are asking about, but it is also possible other conditions related could be as well....which is why you need more testing.

A CINE MRI will help determine if you have a CSF obstruction......

A CT myelogram will help look for any CSF leaks....and or disk issues....

MRI's of the complete spine to help rule out a syrinx, tethered cord....

Then testing for ICP, POTS, CCI, Ehlers-Danlos.....

[ecosette]

Fun stuff. Luckily I have good insurance! Thank you.

[selmaS]

  Hi ecosette and welcome to the Chiari forum,

Have you had any treatment for your disks?
What testing have you had to date?

Sorry for the questions but it is important to know what all you have going on...Chiari tends to not come alone...it is usually accompanied with other related conditions and they need to be ruled out b4 you consider surgery and want to have a positive  outcome.

I have vertigo and had decompression surgery back in '09 and have not had it since......I also had it when I would turn to my left so much so that when I was still working to get something on the left side of my desk I would get up to my right and circle  around to avoid turning left.....

Research Drs to find one that will rule out all related and non related conditions.

[ecosette]

I have only had physical therapy for neuropathy (unrelated( and vertigo. The Physical therapist noticed my vision issues and is now treating me for those. My ears checked out fine.  I have had no treatment for the Chiari. I have only been given meds for vertigo and nausea, which only make me sleep, so I don't take them often. They have been treating it as Benign Vertigo. I usually have symptoms for three or four days at a time and become inactive, because too much movement makes it worse. I saw a neurosurgeon at Penn in 2009 who said my symptoms weren't bad enough to warrant surgery. I just want to find out what is causing the chronic vertigo and disequilibrium. I also want to know if the vision issues are caused by the Chiari. I am going to a Neurologist as a starting point because I believe it might be more than benign vertigo. I was told the vision issues and the vertigo may have been untreated symptoms of post concussion syndrome, as I have had a few pretty bad concussions over the years.