Unless the Dr is a Chiari specialist....I would continue to push for answers....
It is good your B12 levels are up as it shows the symptoms are not related to the levels....the more you rule out the more it points to Chiari.
I had a B-12 deficiency when we first started checking my synotoms, but we have since brought my levels up entirely and they're only continuing to get worse.
I had a complete MRI or my spine and brain, but we haven't done a CINE MRI. The radiologist said he didn't think it was relevant so my doctor dropped it and handed me off again.
My vitamin d level was 9 now it's up to 26 so yes that is low. But I don't think I had a cine MRI I had an MRI of my brain and neck with and without contrast and MRA.
I am so sad to hear about the way you are being treated by some pretty ignorant doctors. I also feel the pain you have over your difficulty caring for your baby. When I read posts like your, I wish there was a way to physically help you. But know that you are cared about and will be heard when you speak (write).
Did your Dr do a CINE MRI to see if you have a CSF obstruction?...what bothers me is the term..mild to moderate when they consider the length of the herniation and not how it may be affecting you and your overall health.,...
Low levels of vitamins and minerals....can cause a plethora of symptoms....so make sure your vitamin B12 and D.....along with minerals,magnesium and potassium.
The foggy head is my biggest complaint. I don't feel like myself and hardly want to do anything. I'm driving and halfway down the road I realize that I'm driving absent-minded and it really scares me. I'll miss my road or have no idea how I got where I am. I can't concentrate and then when someone's talking to me I look like an idiot and can't hold the conversation because I have no clue what word to say next or how to explain when I'm thinking.
I'm somewhat in the same boat sometimes I'm afraid to drive cause feel like I'm so foggy headed. I have dizziness and some headaches earpain and developed social anxiety. You are not alone. My neurosurgeon called my chiari mild to moderate but did not recommend surgery at this time
Even that helps. Thank you! I've been passed between four doctors already who have written off my symptoms. One even went so far as to tell me I was just out for pain medications, but he doesn't realize that the majority of the time they really don't help me. Something as simple as bending over or carrying my son into the store can trigger a headache that sticks for days. It's not easy being only 21 with an infant and not being able to enjoy our time because I'm in pain and feeling crazy for being in pain. Lol.
Just rest in the assurance that you are not crazy, you are in pain. Pain- especially chronic severe pain- is a great deal to cope with.
I am really ready for a diagnosis because then I can at least find a way to manage my pain (or at least know I'm not crazy). The headache was so bad today that I had to go to my doctor for a pain shot that unfortunately didn't really help. I've spent the entire day in bed nauseous.
We did a normal MRI of my brain and entire spine. He apparently didn't see anything that would make him believe that there was a problem, however no one knows what is causing my symptoms.
Your symptoms certainly sound like Chiari. My compassion goes to you especially for your nausea, that can interfere with your whole day. But, nausea and the nature of your headache pain (behind your eyes and into your neck) have to be tough. If you do vomit, the pain must get worse with the straining. You are not crazy for wanting a name for all of this; at least a diagnosis will put an end to all the uncertainty.
Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.
It is very possible it is Chiari or Chiari related....what MRI's have you had? Brain w/wo contrast , cervical spine, thoracic,and lumbar spine...and or a CINE MRI to check CSF flow.....
A syrinx could be a reason for numbness and tingling...and some Drs only look for them in the cervical spine but many with Chiari have them in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Testing to rule out related conditions should be done as well as the symptoms are similar.