2nd Opinion in Baton Rouge, LA with Chiari Specialist

[Lottida]

Hi everyone.  I just had my 2nd opinion with Dr Soleau (Chiari specialist) in Baton Rouge,LA.  He looked at my MRI of brain & immediately noticed Chiari with brainstem compression.  MRI of entire spine & CSF flow scheduled for next week.  He stated that he was 95% sure that I would need surgery due to he suspects a Syrinx or CSF occlusion due to neurological symptoms that I am having.   He also said that the statistics for average accurate diagnosis of Chiari is 22 months due to so many doctors are not educated on this, so therefore I am very lucky to have been diagnosed so quickly.  I have to say that the reason I researched so quickly is due to my husband's experience in 1996 which he was missed diagnosed with MS for 1yr & had 4 shoulder surgeries (for pain) before having his decompression of Chiari due to Syrinx (which caused shoulder pain).  My NS was stunned to see a husband & wife both having CM-1 & stated this was a 1st for him (treats many CM patients yearly).  If anyone near Louisiana needs Chiari specialist, Dr. Soleau is wonderful, knowledgeable, & explains rationale for everything.  He is located at the Neuro Medical Center of Louisiana & is attached to Neuro Hospital where all surgeries are done.

[Lagringa00]

Hey there, thanks  for the heads up. A neighbor of a friend of mine works over at the neuromedical Center and she explained my symptoms to him and he immediately recommended the same doctor. I suffer from severe migraines, lack of coordination, dizziness, blurred vision, asymmetrical hearing loss, and seizures.  I also have severe back pain  without any particular explanation. I am being treated by a neurologist to control the migraines and the seizures.  The medication has decreased the frequency of some of my symptoms but the majority are still present  and worsening.  I had an MRI completed over at the neuromedical Center and the results did reveal a malformation,  low lying cerebellar tonsils. Unfortunately the doctor that had been treating me there neglected to mention this to me. Unfortunately the doctor that had been treating me there neglected to mention this to me. I discovered this because I am in the Army National Guard and my symptoms have made it impossible for me to attend drill without having a seizure or severe neurological problem.  The issue has been that the doctors cannot identify a specific problem and I am therefore expected to attend drills. I have been suffering with this for nearly two years.  This condition affects my overall morale and the quality of my every day life.  Your post has been very helpful and I will definitely schedule an appointment to meet with the specialist .

[selmaS]

  I am so glad you and your hubby got some helpful info from this site.....this site was very helpful to me as well....

Wishing you all the best.

[Lottida]

Thanks Selma for everything.  This forum has taught us both so much despite that fact that I am a nurse & he has experienced all of this so many years ago.  I will definitely post surgery date on thread when available & keep everyone posted.   Just so you know, we learned about the brain slumping on this forum.  My husband has been having quite a bit of symptoms & will get a check up with Dr. Soleau as well once my surgery is done.  May god bless you & provide you with relief of any symptoms that you may have at this time.

[selmaS]

I ma so happy for you that you had the experience with your hubby, only in that it helped you get a faster DX, but so sorry both of you have to endure this condition.

Also thanks for the name of that Dr...once you have recovered from surgery please add his name to the thread for the Drs list 2015....that way members from your area will have a name to research.

Keep us posted on your next set of tests and the outcome and should you be scheduled for surgery please let us know the date on the surgery date thread so a prayer thread can be posted.

Wishing you all the best.

[courtneybreaud24]

That's who I see