Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea! Oh my!

[MaraFowler]

For a while now (over 6 months I'd say but I'm not really sure how long as all the symptoms started at different times) I've been having lightheaded/dizzy spells where it feels almost like my brain is spinning in my head and the room is almost distorted and distant. I've also been having headaches that are like a squeezing pressure in the back of my head and neck area, I feel like I need to crack my neck but it won't crack.. The nausea I'm not sure if it's related to the dizzy spells or not because they come on at different times. For example after I eat lunch my stomach gets really bloated feeling and I feel sick to my stomach-doesn't matter what I eat though.
I've been having memory problems for about 7 years or so now.. figured that was just because of my poor choices in high school but now am thinking it could be something more serious and related.
Along with that is this really detached from reality feeling.. like everything around me just kinda fades into the distance and I get something similar to tunnel vision, along with trouble staying focused.. I completely lose my train of thought when I'm speaking and often my mind wanders on it's own... very problematic while at work or trying to sleep..
My breathing has gotten shallower than it used to be (my husband pointed this out to me as I hadn't noticed so I don't know when this started)
I also have what I call "space-out" moments where I just end up staring off into space for a few seconds, usually accompanied either before during or after by a sort of lightning flashes behind my eyes.
I just last week had an MRI done and have an appointment with my Neuro next weds. but this is really a problem and would like to know some outside opinions. If there's any more info I can provide please let me know! Thank you!

[crwstar]

Wow, so glad you found out what was going on with you.

All the best going forward.

Crwstar

[selmaS]

HI...I see u joined the MH chiari forum...and I did want to mention here that the symptoms can cycle.....also ask for copies of the MRI and the report...not all NS or NL see chiari as symptomatic.....u need to know what ur herniation is.....I know u will post the info in the chiari forum.

I just wanted to let u know, there r many of us that have had the surgery,( just had mine May 28th) and many that have not yet had it.

We can relate and share our experiences....most important is to get to a chiari specialist...do not waste time with drs that this is not the focus of their practice....it is a runaround nightmare.....

With the right drs u will feel better knowing that the dr understands what u r going thru.

selmaS
CL Chiari

[MaraFowler]

So turns out it's not MS..
It's a Chiari Malformation.
So now that we know what it is.. the next step is figuring out what to do about it..
I've also developed Sleep Apnea... yay.
Anyone know anything about this?
If I don't get surgery to fix the "CM" what can I do to get through the every day agonizing systems? (My Neuro says that the "CM" is not severe enough at this point from what they can tell to require the surgery)

[MaraFowler]

So over the weekend I had a new symptom develop.. it's a feeling of weakness in my arms, almost like I'm losing control of them and the feeling in my limbs is decreased.

I had a new episode this morning on the bus on my way to work.. dizzy and nauseus feeling, near fainting. Up until today my symptoms were "recessed" for a couple weeks and I felt better.. here we go again I guess..
Also,
My neuro appointment was cancelled as my dr. is ill so now I'm just stuck waiting and waiting and waiting..
Any ideas about these new symptoms?

[Dr Vinod]

The neurologist can diagnose your cases on the basis of your symptoms if it is a migraine or you might have a chronic Sinus.
Wait for the diagnosis and follow up near your doctor.
Do not feel stressed up and i think you have to go through few scans/MRI routine to rule out any problems.
Take care!

[Cath278]

Hi.You have my sympathies! the waiting is very hard.Try not to let your imagination  run wild. Remember, no news is good news! Try and keep busy ok? I will be thinking of you and the best of luck Wens! Cath

[MaraFowler]

Talked over this stuff with my nurse practitioner
she said carbon monoxide and IIH not likely but to talk to the neuro about it anyway.. *sigh* just wish it was weds. already so I could at least get some info on what it is or isn't..

[MaraFowler]

Doctor checked my ear situation out-I've had chronic swimmer's ear since I was a child, but he ruled out that as a diag.

As for Migranes, I'm not really too concerned with the headache portion of this all, but more the dizziness, nausea, and concentration/memory problems as it really makes my life miserable. The headaches while a problem, usually subside fairly quickly to just a dull ache or throbbing after flairing up.

Carbon Monoxide-I didn't even think of that, but wouldn't my husband or co-workers be sick as well (if I was exposed to it at home or at work?)

I'll mention the IIH to my neuro I don't really know what it is but I'll do my research on it..

Thanks for your help everyone! I'll keep you posted...

[Cath278]

Hi. I have IIH( idopathic intracranial hypertention) and share a lot of the symtoms that you have. The reason Im writing to you,is because it is quite rare and hard to diagnoise.Just to maybe mention it  to your neuro when you see them next week. All the MRI and Cat scans will come negitive if it is and you will need a lumber puncture to  comfirm. Hope all goes well next week and if you have any further questions, drop me a line.Cath278.

[cookieman101]

hi you could have carbon monoxide poisoning  i do    some of the same symtoms get a co detector  asap this stuff can kill you   try this web site co headquarters . com see if you symtoms match good luck

[jesusmom]

This sounds like a migrane to me. I wonder if you might have an inner ear infection too, due to your description of dizziness.  Hope it is better soon'!