I found out in 2010 I had chiari. I have many symptoms for years and have recently gotten worse. I just had an MRI done it shows chiari tonsils extendto about mid portion of the posterior ring of C1 (9mm) with some ap narrowing of foramen magnum.Here's what I don't understand the nuerologist says its her impression it's not a true chiari malformation.
It is always unfortunate when it seems that our health concerns are dismissed. Hopefully, the neurologist is pursuing other causes for your symptoms. It is important to rule out conditions that can be involved or find other considerations that need addressing.
If doctors are thinking that mental health issues are a concern, I have found that seeing a psychologist to rule that out is important. Let doctors know that your mental heath is okay so that they can then focus on your concerns. If your mental health is not okay, address it. It can be helpful to get a clear understanding how any mental health concerns can play out in your symptom expression. Then, you can say, "No, my psychologist does not think that my oral numbness and foot drop have anything to do with my anxiety".
Keep in mind that surgery is not the end all and be all. Perhaps a neurosurgeon referral can sort that out for you. It seems that neurosurgeons are better trained at reading MRI's. Did you discuss your MRI with the neurologist and the images (not just the radiologist report!) in the same room with you. That can be helpful to understand their point of view and still move on if you are not satisfied. Dialogue with health care specialists is important though it seems difficult to do at the time.
Good luck in your search to have your symptoms understood and addressed