Chiari 1 Malformaiton

[SmithMarquita2]

I just got a cervical MRI due to really bad headaches and really bad neck and shoulder pains.
The pain would radiate down both arms into my fingers and I have been having trouble opening containers, holding by children.  Like my arms are really week and I have also been having blurred vision, extreme headaches when i sneeze, cough, turn my head, and also nerve pain that runs down my left leg.  I feel like my head is going to explode most of the time.
I got a call from my ortho doctor stating that the radiologist called her right after my cervical MRI because the findings were abnormal.  It states that there is an abnormal protrusion of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum by approx 7mm.  And it also stated that they think it is Chiari 1 Malformation.
I also have Sjogrens, IBD, and arthritis.  Mind you im only 29 years young :) but I need help with this new possible diagnosis.  I have a brain MRI scheduled for this weekend and will be getting in to see a brain specialist soon.  Has anyone else had an MRI can back like this? Thank you

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I agree, it is good to finally know why you are having the symptoms you are having and there is a Chiari specialist near you that you may want to check out....

Here is a list for your state of Drs members here have been to,, treated by and liked....it is not a referral nor an endorsement for those listed it is meant to be used as a tool to start researching Drs....also know many of us do have to travel to get the best care possible.

Oh and you are not alone many of us have pretty much the same symptoms and then some....hang in there,

[jpaul119]

Sorry to here those results, but you may have some comfort in knowing what is causing you problems.  Chiari is a protrusion to the lower part of the brain stem.  It causes numerous symptoms and can trigger other difficulties.  You may need to seek out a Chiari Dr who specializes in the care and treatment.  I know a few in my area, but specialized hospitals like Cleveland Clinic have experts for this.  The larger hospitals may also have a few months wait time.  You will need the imaging and diagnosis firmed up inorder to move in a direction like this.  If you Dr has a significant level of Chiari experience, you may try that for now.