Possible Chiari, Runaround

[almostafarm]

Did anyone have a really hard time getting a Dr to order a study or MRI? I have been diagnosed with migraine headaches for years and it was hard to get medication for those even. The sumatriptain does help my headaches but makes me feel clammy and sick for about an hour.
I have had other headaches and feel they are not migraine headaches. My migraine ones come on more from lighting, computers and fragrances. Fragrances are the worst.
These other headaches normally start off like pressure in my head, like bad sinus pressure but the entire head. I feel like it's going to pop. The paid then settles into my next, keeps building and then turning into a migraine as well behind my right eye. I always have a dull to ice pick stabbing pain on the right upper next, right at the base of my skull. It's when I do something that the pressure builds in my head and then the neck pain gets worse. This normally lasts for a few hours to a few days. The neck paid never really goes away. It's just not a noticeable anymore because I am use to it.
I use to get an episode every few months. Then monthly. And now it's a few a week. The more I try to do, the worse it gets through the day.
I also experience hand coldness and tingling feeling and tingling down my right upper back from my neck.
I have been seen by my Chiropractor with minimal help. I saw my PCP 3 weeks ago and he didn't touch me. He stood on the other side of the room and prescribed me a daily medication for migraines. These have not helped.
I went to the Urgent Care Center today. I went before it got bad and should have waited. By time I saw the Dr I was feeling ok from not moving. He did his exam and dx me with a tension headache. Gave me a toradol injection and rx for a muscle relaxer and sent me on my way. It's always the times I am in pain and have something serious going on that I am seen quickly and sent on my way.
The toradol has done nothing for me. I am taking it easy right now but this is not always a choice for me. I quit my job as a medical asst in October because of the HA's getting worse and not feeling safe to drive myself or my kids.
I have made an appt with my Chiropractor again this afternoon and hoping he may order an MRI. If it's nothing then great. But I am scared that it may be something. I have been told by a few people that I had symptoms of this so I researched it. I have so many matching symptoms, including Scoliosis which was a shocker to me. I always feel like I am in a fog, forgetful and can focus sometimes. I just don't feel right.
How do I get a Dr to take me seriously? Can a neuro exam come back normal when you are not having a HA or symptoms? It seems that I always get them when I have a lot of stuff going on and can't stop and go to the hospital or dr's. Then when I do, the exam is normal.

[ChiariWolf]

Dunno.... Normally I pretty much agree with Selma... Sorry sis.

But this has been more likely the peasant run around! :-/

Being a Peasant is not all bad though. The human condition
dictates that when one is treated as an animal they will in
time react like an animal.

If this is Chiari you are dealing with that is similar to what
may be needed to get help. We are trained to trust whatever
the Doctor says. To look for the imperial evidence so to speak.
If Chiari is suspected trusting the Doctor will only drag out
any help for months or years. 'If' no MRIs have been done of
your c-spine and brain... Well I would suggest you take charge
beginning by going back to your PCPS and demand a referral
so your insurance is satisfied, (referral to a true Chiari specialist)
And that he order MRIs of c-spine, brain. You want the MRIs done
Before seeing a NL as they will want those pics.

In the mean time we'll all hope it's not Chiari. It's not life ending
but is definitely life altering.

CW

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

If u suspect u may have Chiari u should NOT see a Chiropractor as manipulation of ur head and neck can make u worse.

It is very difficult to get a Dr to listen even once a Chiari Dx is made, we call it the "Royal Chiari Run Around"...many of us have been to Drs for yrs trying to get answers, so we all understand what u r going thru.

U may have to say u were in a fall or an MVA to get them to do a MRI...sad to say....neuro exams may not show what is going on,....so a MRI or CT is one of the things u will need done,

There is one Dr up ur way a Dr Ellenbogen....u may  want to check him out he treats Chiari....not sure if u can go to a specialist with ur ins or if u need a referal....I do not know of other Drs in ur area....so if u do get Dx;d with Chiari u may have to travel.