Are visual disturbances common?

[JessM_17]

I was diagnosed with Chiari last fall and, for the last 6 months, have been going through the motions to simply make sure we eliminate other possible conditions and definitively nail down my symptoms to Chiari.  I have been seeing a regular neurologist to see if she can treat my migraines and am currently on 150 mg. of Zonisamide every night to try to help that, but I am also working with Dr. Gardner at UPMC, who is a Chiari specialist.  He believes it is best to eliminate all other possibilities before actually resorting to surgery to treat the Chiari, which I respect.  I go back for a 6 month follow-up MRI and consult with Dr. Gardner next week.  However, last night I was getting ready to go to bed and suddenly the coffee table I was looking at seemingly started to vibrate from side to side.  I was not moving, nor were my eyes.  I tried squinting, pinching my eyes shut, all the normal things to try to make the vibrations stop, but it didn't.  It went on for several minutes and was actually strong enough to make me nauseous, if I left my eyes open.  The best description I can think for it was that it was a sideways earthquake.  Is this Chiari related, or is it more likely related to the Zonisamide I'm taking at night?  I don't particularly care to take daily medicines that may not actually be helping, but we have to start somewhere, I guess.  I'd feel more confident if the neurologist actually would acknowledge that Chiari CAN be responsible for my symptoms, ugh.  Thanks for any input!

[selmaS]

  Hi many of us do experience some visual disturbances.....but it is also possible for the med Zonisamide to cause some issues.

I am not sure if this is a Chiari issue or a med issue but do let your Dr know what you are experiencing ...he/she may decide to change your meds to try to determine if it is the meds or Chiari.

[JessM_17]

Thanks!  I did call the neurologist because I was concerned about it.  When she returned my call and left a voice mail, she referenced a completely wrong medicine (ugh!) and recommended decreasing the dosage.  I called to sort that out but haven't heard back from her yet.  This neurologist is just so wishy-washy that you can't get her to give you a definitive answer on anything.  I know it's hard with medications, but the whole "try and see" approach is getting old.  :(

[selmaS]

I know how frustrating this can be....hang in there and keep calling the Dr back until she gets the right med.....