Fear of the Unknown

General
1

My name is Brandi. Let me start by saying I am a nurse. I began having headaches 8+ years ago just being told they were tension headaches. I starting becoming hoarse and losing my voice often about 6+ years ago being told it was reflux. About 5 months ago I started to experience intense cramping, numbness and tingling in my arms bilaterally. I had a brain MRI done and was told it was normal. Being a nurse, I of course asked for my results so that I could review them. The following is what it reported:
The cerebellar tonsils and inferior cerebellum extend 11mm below the level of the foramen magnum. The adjacent CSF spaces are narrowed.
Of course after doing some research it seems to be consistent with chiari malformation. It also explains so many symptoms I have had for so long along with the above mentioned ones. I have also experienced severe insomnia, dizziness, memory and cognitive problems. My list goes on.
Can anybody give me your input and tell me if you think I should be concerned? I am scheduled to meet with a Neurologist on the 17th. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.

2

Today I have taken your advice and began the procedure to get scheduled with a Neurosurgeon. I work for Kaiser Permenante and have contacted the Neurosurgery department to make sure that there is an MD that is knowledgeable with CM. it can be an advantage to work for the company, so that i can talk to people in the department. I will keep you posted. Thank you very much for the support. I am very grateful to your words of wisdom!