chiari malformation?

I started having brain fog symptoms in Jan. 2008. I couldn't find words or I would substitute word such as  "Get that doorknob  "SEATBELT" on your sister." Over the summer I started having pins and  needle sensations in my face which then developed into trigeminal neuralgia OUCH!!!!!!! The  pins and needle sensations have moved to the rest of my body along with muscle spasms(nearly constant and worse after a long day.) The spasms in my left arm can be painful. Also have extreme fatigue and pressure headaches
My doctor did a lot of blood work to rule out metabolic issues. He referred me to a neurologist who did more bloodwork, emg, nerve conduction study. She checked my csf pressure but did no analysis of the fluid. I went today for the results of my brain mri which she says is normal except for enlarged pituitary.

I also forgot to mention that I am now dyslexic. I teach 5th grade and can not copy problems from the book to the board correctly and reverse numbers even when students speak aloud the problem. The frustrating thing is that even when they point it out it takes me a while to see it. This has just been happening for about 3 months now.
Memory is also a problem. In choir I used to be able to at least hum a tune after hearing it a couple of times and now I can't.

I was perfectly healthy a year ago. I'm not one to complain or whine but I am scared of losing my cognitive ability. I'm a teacher. I've done some research and found Chiari info and at least some of the physical symptoms are similar and I saw images of borderline chiari that look a lot like my images. Don't know where to go from here please help!

[selmaS]

Hi....do u have a copy of ur MRI?...the report?.....if not request if from the location that did the proceedure.

We have a chiari forum here on MedHelp...I invite u to join us.

There r many conditions that can cause the same symptoms and it is important to get a dx and then get the right dr.If u do indeed have chiari u will need a chiari specialist.

Request ur MRI's and the report and stop by the chiari forum.

U may also want to ask ur PC if the following were ruled out...lupus,lymes,MS....to start.

U should also have labs done...check for thyroid, low levels of vitamins and minerals....vit B12, D....minerals...potassium, magnessium, calcium.

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"

[mickeydawn]

My doctor did rule out all of the things you mentioned through labs and othr tests. I have a copy of my mri on cd but I don't know how to put them on here. Thank you so much for responding. The neurologist has left me with no answers and even mentioned semantic dementia for the cognitive problems. I'm 35 and the onset seems to sudden for me.

[selmaS]

Do u have the report for the MRI study?.....did u have a recent fall, or trip on an airplane...or visit an area where the air pressure is different than where u normally live?

Find ur report....I am sure u can find answers there...was it done w/wo contrast?.....did they do ur cervical , thoracic and lombar spine?

There r way too many NL and NS that do noy understand this condition.

"selma"

[mickeydawn]

I'll get the report asap. The mri was just the head w/ and w/o contrast. There was literally no space between the cerebellum and the midbrain region. Also I heard that having an mri sitting up could give a better idea. I am very heavy chested and the burning in my neck and nausea are worse for example sitting here typing this or when I lean over my sink to see to put my make-up on in the mirror. I sometimes have to lie down because i feel sick.

have you heard of the extra weight in front causing the problem to be worse?

[selmaS]

Yes to check for a CSF blockage they do a CINE MRI in the sitting position, or standing.

The issue with leaning forward is not the weight, but most likly gerd from acid reflux.....I get that too!

I have been told that so much of these issues r not related, but I do not believe that.From speaking with other's that have this, I am convinced that itis all related.

Have u had episodes of vertigo?
I look forward to talking to u again.

Godspeed
"selma"

[mickeydawn]

Thank you for your support. When i get that report I will get back to you.

[selmaS]

U r welcome! : )

"selma"