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Big brain, small skull
After graduation from the University of Mary Washington, she headed to the hospital for neurosurgery
Date published: 9/7/2008
BY TALLY BOTZER FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR Instead of looking for a job after graduating from the University of Mary Washington in May, Anna Deaton put her career aspirations on hold. She was about to undergo neurosurgery, and everything else had to wait. Deaton, who lives in Virginia Beach, had been diagnosed in January with Chiari I Malformation, a rare and harmful skull malformation that causes part of the brain to slip down into the spinal canal. "It's basically caused by my skull not being big enough to house my brain," Deaton said. "Or a contrary theory is that the brain is too big, and the skull is normal." The condition can lead to cysts in the spinal column, and over many years, the top three vertebrae of the spine can fuse together from the pressure of the cerebellum. The malformation, whose cause is unknown, can also prohibit spinal fluid from moving between the spinal column and the brain. Without surgery, the cerebellum can put pressure on the brain stem, which controls involuntary and important body processes such as breathing and heartbeat. Pain medication and careful monitoring can be sufficient treatment for people whose symptoms are minor. But for Deaton, surgery was a necessity. GUESSWORK AND TESTS Deaton, 22, first began feeling symptoms in high school--severe pain in her neck and shoulders. But it took years to get an accurate diagnosis. "We originally thought it was a swimming injury," she said. Last summer her symptoms grew worse, with pain so severe she sometimes vomited because of it. The family physician diagnosed her as having social anxiety disorder, and prescribed antidepressants, Deaton said. "I think I was in the room for maybe five minutes [before getting the prescription]," Deaton said. Frustrated by negative side effects of the antidepressants, Deaton made an appointment with a psychologist, who didn't think she belonged on antidepressants, but didn't know just what was wrong with her, either. Deaton weaned herself off the antidepressants and, during a visit with her family physician, mentioned that her hands sometimes tingled. The doctor referred her to a neurologist, who performed tests to see if carpal tunnel syndrome or a nerve disorder was to blame.
Date published: 9/7/2008
TCI
(posted by
kgirl1985
, Sep. 9, 2008 9:14 pm)
I wouldnt recommend TCI, even though their patients praise them and act as if they are gods they've had reports of numerous problems. They're known for preforming numerous surgeries on every person they treat and they dont accept insurance. At the last ASAP meeting the other surgeon voiced many concerns. Dr John Oro out at the Chiari Center in Colorado is getting a lot more good reports them most of the the other experts I've seen. But ultimately its each persons descion who they want to be treated by.
Best Chiari info & support resources
(posted by
zipperedzebra
, Sep. 9, 2008 5:42 pm)
1. The best resource for accurate info about Chiari Malformation is www.thechiariinstitute.com. TCI's free online educational videos teach state-of-the-science facts. 2. The best online Chiari support group is through www.chiariconnectioninternational.com. CCI is backed by several top Chiari neurosurgeons who help the moderators keep info accurate and helpful. 3. All Chiarians should be evaluated for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other inherited connective tissue disorders prior to treatment.
Typo
(posted by
kgirl1985
, Sep. 9, 2008 10:17 am)
Sorry that should have said "a shoulder to lean on".
To all other Chiari Suffers
(posted by
kgirl1985
, Sep. 9, 2008 10:12 am)
To anyone who may be reading this that suffers themselves or knows someone who suffers from Chiari I want you to know you’re not alone. Even though this is a rare condition there are other people also silently suffer. I’m actually in the process of creating a website for us as well as anyone else who has a chronic illness, it’s a place where you can find vital information as well as a should to lean on when you’re having a rough day. It’s not completely finished but please feel free to visit and say hello.
Chiari lifelong issues
(posted by
DS26
, Sep. 8, 2008 9:22 am)
It's great that Anna has had surgery and is moving on. I had no symptoms until hit by a drunk driver. I had the surgery in 2007 and while I am improved, this is a condition that never goes away. She's young and that's good, but as we age there are many issues to contend with.
Best wishes to her.
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