Could Chiari Malformation cause this?

[janet750]

I have severe neck and head pain and my neck is always stiff and hard to turn. I also have high pitched tinnitus that is making me insane. Its very loud  and it is hard to hear. The noise in my head doesnt seem to be coming from my ears but from my brain, I have a seizure disorder, but I havent had a grand mal in years. Could this have done damage and left the tinnitus? My chiari was found incidently while having a cervical mri. I am seeing a neurologist soon to see if he could help me. Please answer soon, Thankyou very much you must be a very dedicated Dr. to help people on a board like this. Thankyou     janet

[Daniel M Prevedello, MD]

Well Janet750. Now you gave me more information.
I does sound you have a symptomatic 5mm Chiari.
You should see a neurosurgeon with experience in surgery for chiari malformation. Where do you live?

[janet750]

I live in Bohemia Ny. Dr. Luciano of nyu mentioned the Chiari Institue. I dont know who to contact though.  But I owe you a big thankyou for at least saying my symtoms could be from the Chiari Malformaqtion. God Bless you and again thankyou.....janet

[janet750]

If you can answer mt question aboe it   would help me alot, U dont know if U sgiukd go to the Ch7ari Istitute or a neurokgist, I want hin ti tzke me seriouslt and Dr. Dan Ludiano recommended the Chiari instotute in Ny.  Dr, Dan is a great Neurolofist and I trust him,

[janet750]

My herniation is 5mm below the foramen magma, But the tinnitus isnt the only problem I have that makes me think its the Chiari mal. I also have severe neck and back of my head hurts . Now Ive been getting pain behind my eyes left more than right. The pain can be excruciting. I always feel like my head is under water. Hearing is getting worse and worse. Also my throat feels likje its getting smaller and its hard to swallow. Its not a sore throat however. Ive been getting dizzy spells more often also. I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1996 grand mal type which is controlled by Topamax. Sometimes I feel a pulsing in my ears also. Should I see a neurologist or go to the Chiari Institute? Thanks again for your help.

[Daniel M Prevedello, MD]

Dear Janet750

Although tinnitus could be caused by Chiari Malformation, it is not a common manifestation of Chiari. Tinnitus is more commonly caused by other factors as such as stress, internal ear inflammation etc.
Do you know how many millimeters your tonsils are lower than the foramen magnum?