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[Peri-wrecked]

Hello Ladies,

I haven't posted here in quite some time  as I have just been trying to muddle through.  I tried a few HRT regime but I struggled between knowing whether the HRT was causing symptoms or whether it was my anxiety.  I struggled from the age of  32/33 with peri symptoms and got diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency around the age of 38 I think (memory isn't always accurate).  I was on this forum on and off down through the years.  I always found everyone so helpful. 
Anyway, I have been struggling with dizziness for the  past 2 years on and off and I think I may have posted here about it but not sure.   I thought maybe a bout of Covid had triggered it but i just seem to be getting worse with it.  I also get pressure sensation in my head and i get a feeling of a pulling tugging pressure sensation down my spine as well.  I have become extremely sensitive to light as well.  I've had my eyes tested twice and glasses prescription changed twice as thought it was that but that doesn't seem to have helped. 
I do still get my periods but this last one was 12 days late, and the day I got it happened to be Christmas Eve, i was working for it and became incredibly light headed and faint as i got my period.  It wasn't a heavy period but it lasted 5 days and then on the 6th day I became very dizzy again and almost had to leave work as I was so bad with it.  I had to hold onto the walls walking around and i felt like i was going to faint at one point.
I have been to my GP a good few times complaining about it, I did have an MRI of the head done a year and a half ago and was told I had something called Chiari Malformation 1, but my GP is adamant that this isn't causing my dizzy spells.  She even asked me if I had been googling my symptoms.  I did get put on blood pressure tablets as it was on the high side but I am on them a while now and it seems to be controlling my blood pressure so not that.   I am so tired of not been taken seriously.  I mean I trudge on through the day with my symptoms and to everybody on the outside I am fine, although on the inside I am just tired of feeling pressure in my head, being dizzy and just not enjoying life how I should be.  I am a single mother as well and I adore my daughter and I just feel bad that I am not able to be the "old normal me" for her.  I don't think she takes much notice of me but the mom guilt gets to me.  I had to hold onto her at mass on Christmas eve because I was afraid I would fall  over.  I did see a neurologist a over a year ago too and she said I had BPPV -even though she hadn't even bothered to look at my MRI report.
I guess my question really is-could this all be hormones? or is there more to it?? I am going to insist on getting a second MRI to see if any changes have taken place.  I might also seek a second opinion.
Anyone had anything similar?  any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much ladies.

[Wrensong]

Hi, I'm sorry to know you're having hard time getting heard by medics with the right expertise to help with these horrible symptoms.  Chiari malformations can indeed cause dizziness among other symptoms, but being a rare condition, unfortunately GPs are unlikely to know very much about it unless they have prior experience or a special interest in Chiari.  As you have been diagnosed with Chiari, I think you are right to request an up to date MRI, especially if your symptoms have changed since the last & if you can I would, as you suggest, see another Neurologist for a 2nd opinion.  I'd try to find one whose interests include Chiari in adults though this may not be easy as it's my impression that most Neuros (at least in England) who treat Chiari patients are paediatric Neurologists as the condition is most often diagnosed in childhood.  If you can't self-refer & go private & your GP needs convincing Chiari can cause debilitating dizziness in order to refer you on the NHS, you could have a look for creditable sources of Chiari info online & print off what you find to show him/her.  This is what the NHS website has to say but there are other reputable sites with more detail if you can bear to read them:-

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chiari-malformation/

Menopause can also cause dizziness, as can various other conditions, but with a known Chiari malformation I would want further Neuro advice given your symptoms.  Please PM me if you want more info - I'm not on the forum much these days.
W x

[CLKD]

It may well be hormonal, I suggest consultant a dedicated menopause clinic.  There are waiting lists in both the NHS and private sectors.

I have a nerve in the back of my neck which causes me to go 'dizzy' and 'oh!' but never happens in the surgery.   I have stopped going to the theatre because as the lights dimmed, I had the sensation of falling forwards with nausea.

Keeping hydrated is important.

Your symptoms may well increase anxiety levels which could have a knock on effect.  What did the Neurologist suggest?

I wonder whether seeing a physio to look at your gait, posture can cause light headedness too.

It's awful.  I had vertigo many years ago which was bad enough!

[Peri-wrecked]

Hi Wrensong, thank you for replying. I think I will fight for another MRI.  My daughter also has chiari malformation along with Scoliosis so I feel her doctors take it more serious than mine. But I'll keep fighting for answers. Just someday you just want reassurance and unfortunately I don't get that from my current GP. My former gp was so understanding and always took my word for anything I was going through and never made me feel like I imagined it. He was wise being his years.

Hi Clkd,

Thank uou for replying, the neurologist said I had BPPV (positional vertigo), I did go to a physio and he sent a report saying he didn't think I had BPPV at all and that he suggested I get another MRI done which she said she didn't think was necessary as she thinks I'm having sudden drops in blood pressure which is causing my episodes.  She has suggested I go for a tilt table test as I may have syncope or something. I don't think she's on the right track though as I don't think that would affect my legs. 
I don't know. I'll keep trying to find answers. I do work with women going through peri now too and one of them has had vertigo recently but it's different to mine. I just don't know.
I do drink plenty water. I had a bottle.by my bed at night too. 🤷‍♀️

[Wrensong]

Sorry to know your daughter also has Chiari & the scoliosis that can come with it & that you've lost a good GP.  Imagine you know plenty about it already in that case.  Yes, I think you're wise to try to get up to date imaging.  I hope you don't have long to wait for it.
I've sent you a PM.
Wx

[cltk1972]

Peer-wrecked-

I was also recently diagnosed with a Chiari malformation 1.  And like you, my neuro said it’s small and isn’t the cause of my issues.  I’m experiencing whole body burning inside from head to toe/. When it’s in my head it is in the back and it is as if it’s a spinning heat back there.  I also feel like I have pressure weighing me down in my back and shoulders.  At times, my neck hurts too, especially around my clavicles.  I’m currently working with a functional nurse and awaiting labs as she believes I have a histamine issue going on.  Do any of these symptoms affect you?  Have you been able to find anything relief at all?  My anxiety is thru the roof of course.🥲