vertigo???

[beachlover3897]

Hi there...I have had vertigo for several months now and the doctors cannot explain medically why this is happening to me.  An MRI shows that I have Chiari Type 1 with a 9mm herniation.  The neurosurgeon says that the vertigo is not related to the Chiari and does not seem to be concerned at all because I don't have "frequent and severe" headaches...The ENT says to go to vestibular rehab (PT) ...all the research that I have done, vertigo---dizziness and balance issues---appear to be the second most complaint for patients with Chiari...has anyone experienced the vertigo without significant headaches and did vestibular rehab help at all???  I'm wondering if I should get a second opinion??

[beachlover3897]

Thanks for your response.  I have a deviated septum (sp?) so I have sinus issues unrelated to the Chiari.  The ENT does not think the vertigo is a vestibular issues or isn't able to give me a vestibular explanation of why this is happening.  He states that it is a "neck" issue!!  The neurosurgeon says it is a vestibular issue!!  My vision is very blurry, probably worse in my left and my left ear gets major bouts of pressure feeling.  Who knows...????  It is frustrating because I need something and I don't feel like this rehab will help.  My greatest concern is that the therapy may make the herniation worse or that whatever they "retrain my brain to compensate for" will be short lived due to the fact that the brain could descend even more than it has.  

Who is Shane???  This is all new to me. I haven't had a Cine study, only an MRI of the brain.  Doc wasn't even going to order a spinal MRI until I requested it.  I would rather be safe than sorry and know exactly what my situation.  He didn't even make reference to the CSF flow so I don't know if it is normal or not!!!

I think I will get a second opinion.  I wish there were more people who actually specialize in this condition!!!

Alice

[Dawn1214]

I too have a chiari I malformation. I too have been told that my chiari is not causing any symptoms. I dont get the headaches but I do get vertigo, blurry vision in my right eye. I have a problem with my right inner ear and I did some vestibular rehab which really didn't help my symptoms but I have other issues that could contribute to that. I also have a problem with sinus swelling on one side. Do you get that?

I personally feel you should get a 2nd opinion. Have you had a Cine study done? That will tell you if your csf flow is good and usually is  a good indication if the chiari is actually causing problems..

Hopefully Shane will see your post and answer your questions better than I can. He is very knowledgable on the symptoms..

Dawn