When I was 16, I began having horrible headaches. I went to the doctor countless times to try to figure out what was causing them. I was told the headaches were caused by hormones, sinus's, TMJ, allergies, and that it was just a common migraine. Finally I told my doctor that I wanted to go off my medication for my headaches because it wasn't working. I explained that I get the headaches when pressure changes in my body. So any time I cough, sneeze, bend over, look up, and especially laugh I get and intense blast of pain in the back of my head. It only lasts for 10-20 seconds, but it feels like a screwdriver stabbing me in the back of my head. He finally suggested an MRI. That is when I was diagnosed with Chiari type 1 Malformation. December 23,2011 is the day that I finally had a name for what was happening to me for 6 years.
For those who do not know what Chiari Malformation is, here is an explanation. "Chiari malformation (kee-AHR-ee mal-for-MAY-shun) is a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into your spinal canal. It occurs when part of your skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on your brain and forcing it downward." In short, my brain is too big for my skull. Unfortunately there is a long list of symptoms. I will highlight the symptoms I have. Many I didn’t realize where caused by the deformity.
- Headaches aggravated by Valsalva maneuvers, such as yawning, laughing, crying, coughing, sneezing or straining[18]
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Nausea- get it for a few minutes here and there for no reason.
- Nystagmus (irregular eye movements)
- Facial pain
- Muscle weakness- I just always thought I was a wimp and had no upper body strength.
- Impaired gag reflex- worst when I brush my teeth!
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Sleep Apnea- way better since my tonsils were removed.
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)[19]
- Impaired coordination- biggest clutz you will ever meet!
- intercranial pressure
- pupillary dilatation
- Dysautonomia: tachycardia (rapid heart), syncope (fainting), polydipsia (extreme thirst), fatigue
I found out today that my cerebral tonsils are herniated into my spinal canal 22 mm. From what I have read online that is pretty substantial. I meet with the Neurologist January 5th and I hope to have some answers. My biggest question is will I need brain surgery or not. Dr. Google has given me a consistent yes, but nothing is set in stone. I am scared, but thankful that it is not life-threatening. I hope to use this blog to not only update friends and family, but to also help others who may be looking for answers. One thing I know is it’s all in God’s hands, and he will protect me. I have faith that I am strong enough to fight through anything thrown at me. Please pray that I will have peace during the long journey I am about to embark on.
No comments:
Post a Comment