Hi There. I recently went to my doctor because I felt overwhelmingly dizzy when truning my head or changing positions and ridicuolously tired/foggy. I'm rarely sick and visit the dr maybe once a year for sports related injuries. She noticed something neurological (nystagmus, low heart rate, poor balance) and sent me for an MRI of the brain and lumbar(to check on some previously herniated discs). The results came back Boderline Chiari I with a .6cm herniation, no hydropcephalus. My doc sent me straight to a neurosurgeon. The NS said the Chiari explained my childhood history of debilatating headaches and vommitting (I'm 31 now and only get full blown "migraines" once or twice a year but have a dull headache most days). He also indicated that the dizziness was vertigo. He said I was fine and did not need surgery, just to watch out for further neurological symptoms, and see an ENT about the vertigo. I went to an ENT, he said it wasn't vertigo, but was migraine related dizziness. He directed me to get a mouth-guard to wear as much as possible to save my jaw and to look at my diet and environment for migraine triggers, and then gave me some prednisone (which I ashamedly did not take) and sent me on my way.
Although I am feeling less dizzy, I'm concerned that I don't have enough info. I've noticed some other minor possible neurological symptoms prior to and since the MRI, but nothing disabling or substantially impacting my quality of life. I would only consider surgery as an absolute last resort and am going to try massage, possibly accupunture, and getting enough sleep.
So, a few questions:
Is there anybody out there who has had minor ACMI symptoms and managed them without surgery or further progression? If so, how?
My Primary doc thinks I need a 2nd NS opinion. Assuming he agrees with the 1st NS, should I be looking to have this monitored by neurologist? If so, how often?
Can anyone recommend any neurosurgeons or neurologists with Chiari experience in Delaware or Philadelphia?
I appreciate any advice or just some friendly reassuring.