diagnosed in 2003

[rbryant003]

hello, It was nice to read some of the posts related to chiari malformation. I was diagnosed with a chiari formation in 2003. at that time the report said that I was 0.7 centimeters below the foramen magnum. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2001. I have had problems with balance, coordination, ringing in ears, migraine and strange pressure headaches (sometimes in my jaw) starting inmy neck, virtigo, blurred vision, numb tingling feeling in fingers and occasionally blacking out or fainting plus nausea and vomitting. I am 45 and recently found out that I was asphyxiated at birth and the Dr. told my father that I may have problems later. I was passing out when I was Four years old and they ran tests but had no idea. My Dr. Ordered tests including another MRI of brain and cervical spine. I just had the MRI today and am a little nervous since it's been over ten years.  My question is... Since my Dr. Already told me that many of my problems are probably not related to chiari... such as the fainting and nausea, are there any Chiari Specialists around the Toledo OH area? From what I'm reading it sounds as if this may be an explanation for the problems I've been having all of my life.

[selmaS]

  It is one of the best ways....not sure what kind of INS you have as mine was covered by INS....could be where you are located too...not sure??

Sorry I never heard this not being covered.

[rbryant003]

I was told that a CINE MRI is not covered by insurance because it is still considered to be experimental. Is that the only way that and they can check CSF flow?

[selmaS]

  If ur Dr is only looking where the tonsils are(length) then run as fast as u can to a different Dr as it is not how long they are but if they are creating an obstruction of CSF flow...surgery does not help if flow is not obstructed and no matter how long they are if they are thin they will not obstruct flow, but they can be very short and fat and cork it all up....mine were 4mm and 6 mm's when I had surgery....

Look for a CINE MRI to see if u have an obstruction and if u have related conditions B4 u consider surgery.

[rbryant003]

thank you for the reply and the list of doctors. I have been doing a lot of reading lately on CM and it seems as if some believe that these symptoms are related and others don't. All that I know is that my symptoms have gotten progressively worse over the last 2 years especially the last 6 months. I am NOT positive but I believe that my doctor stated that if it was one centimeter that they would have to do surgery. If I was at 0.7 centimeters in 2003 I wonder what the chance is that it has not changed?

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Yes, there are Drs in the Ohio area and a thread that has a list we compiled is on that thread Drs list USA 2013- 2014.....http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Chiari-Malformation/-List-of-Chiari-Drs--USA-2013-2014/show/2046186

This list is not a referral nor an endorsement of those listed on it, it is meant to be used as a tool to research Drs so it is a place to start.

You will also want to educate yourself on Chiari and ALL the related conditions so you will know when you find the right Dr for you.

Know you are not alone <3