Hello,
I was just diagnosed with a 6mm Chiari 1 Malformation yesterday when I received my MRI results. After suffering from a host of symptoms for my entire life I at least have an explanation - at the same time I (like most people I would assume) have never heard of this.
The reason I had the MRI was because in the beginning of May I began having what I'll call 'episodes' where I get a tightening under my lower left rib-cage and the entire left side of my body becomes numb/tingly in a weird painful way that actually causes me to practically drop to the floor. Happens at completely random moments about 3x per day. At first, the left side of my body (from top of head to toes) would stay numb for about 1/2 hour and then the tingly sensation would last in my arm for another 2 hours or so. Now, the duration of the episodes is shorter but the tingliness in my left arm is constant.
The first problem I'm having is finding a neurologist in Connecticut to work with. My current neurologist told me it's no big deal and it's very common. After reading up on it, I had an 'ah ha' moment and every symptom I've suffered from for years can be explained by this. I also realized that my neurologist (who knows my current symptoms and history) is not the doctor for me.
So, I guess the big question is - can anyone recommend a doctor in Connecticut?
Also, any ideas on why it suddenly became so severe? I was lifting very heavy items about 2 days prior to the first episode and also hit my head about two weeks prior.
I actually have about a million more questions since I just found out yesterday around 5:00 but I won't write a book for my first post : )
The only other thing I'd love to know right now is about exercise. I had just started back at the gym and was doing great before the episodes started. Can I continue exercise? Yoga? Weight machines? What are the risks?
Also, the tingliness in my arm ... any chance you think this will pass or should I be worried that it'll progress? Is there a typical pattern?
Sorry this is so long. I'm very glad I came across your site and this board and any answers you can give are much appreciated.
Mary Elizabeth
I was just diagnosed with a 6mm Chiari 1 Malformation yesterday when I received my MRI results. After suffering from a host of symptoms for my entire life I at least have an explanation - at the same time I (like most people I would assume) have never heard of this.
The reason I had the MRI was because in the beginning of May I began having what I'll call 'episodes' where I get a tightening under my lower left rib-cage and the entire left side of my body becomes numb/tingly in a weird painful way that actually causes me to practically drop to the floor. Happens at completely random moments about 3x per day. At first, the left side of my body (from top of head to toes) would stay numb for about 1/2 hour and then the tingly sensation would last in my arm for another 2 hours or so. Now, the duration of the episodes is shorter but the tingliness in my left arm is constant.
The first problem I'm having is finding a neurologist in Connecticut to work with. My current neurologist told me it's no big deal and it's very common. After reading up on it, I had an 'ah ha' moment and every symptom I've suffered from for years can be explained by this. I also realized that my neurologist (who knows my current symptoms and history) is not the doctor for me.
So, I guess the big question is - can anyone recommend a doctor in Connecticut?
Also, any ideas on why it suddenly became so severe? I was lifting very heavy items about 2 days prior to the first episode and also hit my head about two weeks prior.
I actually have about a million more questions since I just found out yesterday around 5:00 but I won't write a book for my first post : )
The only other thing I'd love to know right now is about exercise. I had just started back at the gym and was doing great before the episodes started. Can I continue exercise? Yoga? Weight machines? What are the risks?
Also, the tingliness in my arm ... any chance you think this will pass or should I be worried that it'll progress? Is there a typical pattern?
Sorry this is so long. I'm very glad I came across your site and this board and any answers you can give are much appreciated.
Mary Elizabeth
