Looking for Answers

[Heard6]

I was recently diagnosed with Chiari 1 Malformation. I finally went to the Doctor after about two years of frustrating symptoms. Starting with extreme shooting pain in my head whenever I coughed, sneezed or did anything physical. I was used to having headaches but this was definitely different. I also developed tingling and numbness in my arms and sometimes in my legs. But what started to really worry me was my lack of ability to concentrate, finish my thoughts or understand things that once were easy. I went to my PCP and told her my concerns and requested an MRI thinking maybe I had a tumor or something like that. When results came back it revealed that I do have Chiari 1 Malformation with the herniated tonsils measuring at 11mm. Needless to say I have been doing a lot of research on this disorder which has been very informative and helpful but I have had a hard time finding a good specialist close to where I live. I am more than willing to travel to insure the best care and outcome but I was hoping someone out there would know of a good specialist near Oregon, Washington, or Arizona.
Thank you!

[Heard6]

Thank you so much for responding and helping! I am so thankful I found
this Chiari Malformation Community. It has been so informative and helpful. I feel like I have learned more in the short time of finding this community than I have in all my research so far. Very helpful:)

[Heard6]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! This is so helpful. I have been researching constantly since I was diagnosed but really want to find a great Doctor that specializes in this. I have read about some of the doctors on that list. Its nice to know I'm not alone in this! feeling very blessed!

Thanks again

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Dr. Marc Ercius
Mesa, Arizona
[phone]

Dr. Peter Nakaji
Barrows Neurological Institute
St. Joseph's Hospital
Phoenix, AZ

Dr.Hans Coester
University of Colorado
Formerly
Poudre Valley Health System
970-495-7421
Fort Collins, CO


Dr. John Oro
Chiari Care Center
Aurora, Colorado
(303)-481-0035

Dr David Adler
Emanuel and Providence
Colunbia Neurosurgical Assoc.
1040 Northwest 22 nd Ave.
Portland, OR
[phone]

Dr. Yashail  Vora
Mt. Talbert Medical Office
10100 S.E. Sunnyside Rd.
Clackamas, OR 97015
503-652-2880

Dr. Buchwald
Dr. Maravilla
Dr. Ellenbogen
Ninth & Jefferson Bldg
908 Jefferson St 5th floor
Seattle, WA 98104
[phone]

Dr. Gregory Foltz
Swedish Hospital
Seattle, WA
206-320-2800

Here  are a few out in your area from our list...I included CO. as Dr Oro is one of the top Chiari specialists in the country....and would suggest you include him in the research of where you may want to go.

Please ask any questions , ,we will help the best we can.

[Lottida]

Hi & sorry that you are suffering with Chiari!!  There is a list of doctors on this forum which do include doctors for all 3 of those areas.  Selma will give you the thread to get the list as she responds to everyone thank god!!  Definitely find a Chiari specialist & sometimes it takes more than 1 opinion before you find the neurosurgeon for you.  Also read as much as you can so that you are knowledgeable enough to know if your doctor is knowledgeable in Chiari...........so many doctors aren't up to date with Chiari care or related conditions.  I've learned a lot on this forum just by reading as many posts as I could.  Everyone on this forum is so helpful & supportive.  Good luck on your Chiari journey!!