Hi,
I haven't posted on here in a very long time, mostly because I hadn't been having many problems associated with my Chiari...which was a really good thing. I'll have to start from the beginning, so I apologize if this post ends up being really long.
Almost 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilespy after having a seizure in my sleep. Six months later I had an MRI (unfortunately, there were Long wait times for MRI's where I was living), and it was discovered I had Chiari malformation, with a herniation of 7mm. At first I was shocked, and a little overwhelemed after reading up about it, but after a while I was okay. I hadn't had any major life alternating symptoms...the most annoying ones probably being my horrible balance, headaches, and dizziness/"seeing stars" when moving my head too quickly.
Everything was fine, so I decided to take a teaching job in China and movied here August of last year. So, I've been here for two years now. Lately, I would say in the last few months, I've been experiencing some worrisome changes in my symptoms. My toes and bottom of my feet are becoming numb several times in a day...I've noticed it especially after I've rode my electric scooter to work (so, I guess my feet have been elevated or my legs are bent a certain way that it's affecting the blood flow to feet???). I have also been experiencing more back, neck and shoulder pain. I really noticed it after yoga two nights ago..the pain lasted for a day, off and on. I started doing yoga last year, thinking maybe it would be good for me, but now I'm starting to wonder if it's making things worse. My throat has gotten worse as well. I remember last year singing with the kids (I teach grade one) during class, but now I find it extrememly difficult because my throat will get this annoying "tickle" or scratchy feeling and I will have to drink a lot of water. I'm not sure if that is related, but seems as if it could be. Lastly, and finally, my headaches have been more frequent...however, I don't like blaming headaches on chiari, as I know it could be a number of things. Although, most of the headaches are originating at the base of my skull/my neck, which leads me to believe it is chiari related.
So, I want to get another MRI to see if my herniation or the syprinx (that they claimed was on my spine, but not a big worry at that moment) has gotten bigger. I've only had that one MRI about 3 and a half years ago..and I know, I should be getting them regularly. My question is: does anyone know any Chiari Specialists anywhere in Asia? I'd be willing to go almost anywhere, as flights are rather cheap from here. I'm afraid to just go to a regular neurologist here in Guangzhou, China...I'm not sure how reliable they will be.
I really hope someone can help me out. Thanks!