About CONNIE FOWLER Expertise MAIN QUESTION ARE CHIARI MALFORMATION ,TETHERD CORD SYNDROME WITH RELATED DISORDER.
ADHD, Hidden learning disorder, Autisms, Tethered cord syndrome, Pseudo-Tumor, Spina bifida, Syringomyelia, Hydrocephalus,
Experience I can help with questions on Chiari malformation and related disorders like ADHD, Hidden learning disorder, Autisms, Tethered cord syndrome, Pseudo-Tumor, Spina bifida, Syringomyelia, Hydrocephalus, I went four years with not getting proper help for my son with Education and Medical issues. The Chiari type I malformation is a rare, neuromuscular deformity at which most Neurosurgeons believe it is present at birth. The brain exists in a cavity surrounded by bone. The brainstem normally sits in a funnel-like cavity just above the spinal cord. The problem occurs when the posterior fossa is not developed properly. Instead of the brainstem sitting in its proper space, the brainstem is pushed downward through the skull, causing pressure on the cerebellum and spinal cord Another concerns is the normal flow of CSF through this area because the cerebellum are pushed into the opening of the base of the skull meeting the spine can cause obstruction to its natural flow. (This downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils is called the Chiari malformation.)
Organizations The Organization that I belong to is Our Chiari kids, Keeping kids healthy, Child care network,
Education/Credentials December 2000 my son went in for brain decompression his Filum released (Tethered cord syndrome) as these are not a done deal surgery and we have years of doctor appointment and possible more surgery's, my heart and soul is in the understanding and research of this condition that the Doctor said my son was born with, as I am finding out this can be a genetic disorder as my self I have been diagnosed with Chiari and my oldest son has Scoliosis which is a sign of Chiari malformation.Because this is a rare disorder not to many people know of it or understand the disability that can come with it if left untreated, this is my goal to bring more awareness and be a support to those who have been told they too may have Chiari Malformation.
Basic child care resource, Child developement, Child Behavior, Reaching to new heights in the research of chiari Malformation.
Question hi.... I am a 28 yr old female with symptoms representing MS.....shock type sensations (arms.legs and face), compression of back feeling, spine pain, burning pain in back.. balance problems that come and go. I had and MRI done of the spine..the findings were that there is no evidence of demylinating plaques. and also that there is minimally dilated central canal (1-2 mm) in the mid thoracic spinal cord. I have no idea what that means, as far as the dilation is concerned, and if I should be concerned. as far as my symptoms go I am starting to think i am crazy...is there something we could be missing? I am a mom of 3 small children and need answers ....by the way i was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia a year ago with suspicion of MS then ...but had normal brain MRI then... Thanks for your help
Answer It sound to me you could have a case of ( Syringomyelia ) Fluid being trap in your spinal canal. Symptoms can begin between the ages of 25 and 40 years old and may worsen with straining or activity the causes Cerebrospinal fluid pressure to fluctuate. Have you had a full brain and spinal MRI ? If not I would suggest the study to be done with or with out (Gadolinium ) This is a substance that enhances to help with diagnose the presence or no presence of spinal tumor. I went years fighting DR on my condition I too was thought to MS and to find out it was Chiari Malformation which has cause pain and weakness through out my body.
The symptoms of Syringomyelia
pain, muscle weakness and spasticity (stiffness) in the trunk, shoulders, arms, or legs and/or loss of bowel and bladder control. This spasticity of the lower extremities causes difficulty walking. If fluid build up should get worse other symptoms can progression of this disorder, from headaches and chronic pain as well as a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold, especially in the hands. Each person experiences a different combination of symptoms depending on the anatomical level of the Spinal Cord.
I hope I was able to give you some insight in your condition and don’t think you are crazy,
You do have some Neurological condition, you just need to find the right DR to listen to you.
Best wishes, C.L.Fowler
