I had my balance center appointment yesterday which went well. The vertigo is related to the Chiari (NO KIDDING), it is not an inner ear issue. I saw my NL, which had an intern with him and they were both very pleasant yesterday. My NL NOW says that the Chiari is causing all of my issues along with migraines. I wish he would either make up his mind or chart what he tells me. Oh and after a year of complaining of facial pain, he has finally diagnosed it as Trigeminal Neuralgia. He has told me for the past year that it was NOT TN. He also said that if the pain is still so bad after I try upping the Amnytripaline (sp), he is going to send me back to my NS for the balloon procedure to damage the nerve and hopefull get some relief. The poor intern, he was great and actually suggested that I get some Acetylcarnitine (an amino acid OTC) to help with the brain fog. WOW, it's amazing to talk to someone that wants to help. Lol.
So, overall it was a productive day, but glad it is over.
I have Geniculate Neuralgia. It is in the same family as Trigeminal & Glossopharyngeal, but a bit rarer (lucky me). I had Micro Vascular Decompression surgery before my CM was even diagnosed. I would be happy to discuss the surgery with you. Also, we have a Trigeminal & Glossopharyngeal forums.
I am so glad you finally got some concrete answers.
I'm glad you nl is finally coming around. I kept a notebook with mine and used to write down all my symptoms before each appointment and if they had gotten better or worse and what I was doing as far as excersize therapy and meds and then I would write down what she said. It was really helpful although she hated it. I always prayed that she would learn and change like yours has but never did even after 11 years. It's a hopeful sign that yours has. I'm so happy for you. That nerve being aggrivated is so painful. Trigger point massage has helped me with my face pain. I hope that it works out for you. Keep us posted.