I assume that my CM is causing my daily struggles with vertigo. Gets worse with certain neck movement, walking, getting up, etc. I went to ENT and took many tests. Shows abnormalities on one side so dr suggested PT for balance. But it’s not really a balance thing for me. Is there a cure for vertigo if it’s CM related? And not an inner ear thing? I would rather not jump thru hoops and spend time fixing something that can’t be fixed. Anyone have any luck relieving vertigo via PT? Feel like it’s just another doctor who is not sure what to do with me so he simply sends me off for treatments rather than address the big picture. Meanwhile my Neurologist is only willing to focus on treating my headaches with one RX after another. My headaches still come daily along with vertigo and never ending pressure in my head. All my hats and headbands feel too tight. Is my brain swelling? I am still trying to find a dr who will consider CM may be worth looking into. (MRI is 5mm dr said borderline so not the cause). I will try to get in with the one local NS who may have some knowledge of CM. but he needs to see my file before setting up time with me. Hope he believes that 5mm can potentially cause these issues. Anyway back to vertigo! Anyone with suggested remedies? What actually causes vertigo symptoms in CM patients? Is it a brain fluid thing?
Hi dog runner
Exercises to extinguish primitive reflexes are helpful to resolve vertigo from Chiari. Lots of phoning to different physical therapists might find someone locally for you, there are also centers in the states that deal with children and their primitive reflexes that may be able to help you out. The specific reflexes that I have used are the tonic labyrinthine, Moro, ATNR, STNR, and hands supporting. These do NOT work if balance issues are from inner ear problems. I was told that CHiari stresses the brain resulting in primitive reflexes emerging as the frontal cortex no longer has the resources to suppress them. Primitive reflexes are normally seen in young children but are generally suppressed by 3 years of age. They can emerge in people with dementia, concussion/brain injury, strokes, and yes, Chiari.
I had balance issues in standing and with head movements everyday all day for nine months after my surgery. These exercises resolved my balance (safe to shower!). I do not take any medication. The therapist said that people pre-surgery would have to be more regular (daily) with the exercises for results.
Good luck with finding the right medical people to help you with a Chiari diagnosis, information, and your balance concerns.
Thanks Nykki! This is really helpful…and a bit overwhelming since I’m so new to all this… 6 months ago I was playing tennis 3 days a week and training for a half marathon…today I struggle getting daily responsibilities covered without needing to rest with ice on my neck… I miss that “me” …she was much more fun to be around! This condition certainly gives me a new perspective about how precious the little things in life are… And appreciating those days when I feel sort of OK…my medical file is big but looks like I need to dig deeper. I really appreciate this site… So interesting to see so many people experiencing similar challenges. Describing those odd symptoms that I thought was just me… (“Hair hurts”, “trip up stairs”, random blurred vision, etc.) Really helps me feel less alone in this process. I hope that some day Doctors will take some time to get current on CM so this community doesn’t need to struggle so much in the diagnoses and healing process.
Thank you Gabby-jazzyPants! (Great name) I will give the recomended PT a shot and report back. Willing to try. Would be nice to take a shower without the need to hold the wall!.
gabby jazzypants said:
Hi dog runner
Exercises to extinguish primitive reflexes are helpful to resolve vertigo from Chiari. Lots of phoning to different physical therapists might find someone locally for you, there are also centers in the states that deal with children and their primitive reflexes that may be able to help you out. The specific reflexes that I have used are the tonic labyrinthine, Moro, ATNR, STNR, and hands supporting. These do NOT work if balance issues are from inner ear problems. I was told that CHiari stresses the brain resulting in primitive reflexes emerging as the frontal cortex no longer has the resources to suppress them. Primitive reflexes are normally seen in young children but are generally suppressed by 3 years of age. They can emerge in people with dementia, concussion/brain injury, strokes, and yes, Chiari.
I had balance issues in standing and with head movements everyday all day for nine months after my surgery. These exercises resolved my balance (safe to shower!). I do not take any medication. The therapist said that people pre-surgery would have to be more regular (daily) with the exercises for results.
Good luck with finding the right medical people to help you with a Chiari diagnosis, information, and your balance concerns.
I appreciate all the guidance and information from all the people who have been through the battles. I definitely appreciate the work that the CM community has done up to this point and I certainly mean no disrespect to the many who suffer with symptoms much worse than my own and for years/decades longer. I get a lesson on perspective everyday. Wishing I felt normal again yet learning to appreciate that I am in a better situation than many others. Life is a test.