New Chiari Diagnosis & Infinte Questions

Hello All,

Like many, I’m new to this forum, and am quickly gaining such comfort in knowing it’s here and available for review and outreach. Thank you all in advance for your time.

I’ve recently been diagnosed with Chiari - 5.5mm herniation on the right, after a whirlwind of symptoms including the following:

• Weakness in right arm
• Decreased fine motor skills in right hand
• Cramping in calves and feet
• Body wide fasiculations (i.e., twitches, muscle
spasms)
• Tingling and faint numbness in feet
• Slight difficulty raising right foot (especially when
driving)
• Balance issues
• Trouble swallowing
• Right shoulder pain
• Severe neck pain
• Headaches
• Occular migraine in right eye
• Occasional brain fog

Because these symptoms so closely parallel other neurological disorders, I continue to be riddled with anxiety that there is perhaps another underlying condition, like ALS, though my EMG came back clean, as did several MRI’s for MS lesions.

I’m a working professional and run my own company, I’m the wife of an incredible man, and the mother to a beautiful four year old girl who steals my heart with every beat.

I’m trying to stay positive (because isn’t life grand!:), however these symptoms are beginning to feel quite overwhelming and are greatly impeding upon my quality of life - despite my many blessings.

Does anyone else experience body wide fasiculations (muscle spasms and twitching)? My neurologist said it may be Benign Fasiculation Syndrome, and has not thus far been the best advocate for me and further Chiari treatment options.

I might add that during my quest for diagnosis, I was told I’m anemic (which was new), B12 deficient and Vitamin D deficient.

Any and all insight is so greatly welcomed and much appreciated.

Well wishes to all!

JConger

Hello

It is great that you have found this site. You seem to have a nice complement of Chiari symptoms! From your post, it seems that your question is about your muscle spasms and twitches. Mine were worse prior to my decompression surgery and have improved a lot. It has hard to say if surgery alone was the reason as I also started doing a physical therapy work out to normalize my tone afterwards as well. The therapist did say that the exercises would help prior as well but to a lesser degree.

Hopefully you can improve your vitamin and mineral deficiencies. I have a friend doing research with biomarkers who is a firm believer that appropriate levels for vit B12/D, and iron are vital for good health. I guess he should know!

Good luck to your self in finding good medical professionals to help you.