Re: Thyroid issues, eosinophil levels, Chiari malformation , TCS and

[Guest guest]

Chiari Malformation is OFTEN referred to as a brain defect - but this is inaccurate. It actually means the lower back half of the skull is abnormally small. But it's so SUBTLE that it's very hard to detect (fyi, I went to a world renowned hospital in Baltimore and neurologists/neurosurgeons there couldn't figure it out). This small skull is SOMETIMES seen along with herniation of the lower brain down out of the skull. This is why it is so often referred to as a "defect". The small skull creates a "tightness" at the cranio-cervical junction (where the skull/neck meet) and hinders blood flow to/from the brain. It also causes problems with flow of spinal fluid. The result: symptoms very similar to hypothyroidism. Additionally, a person can have severe headaches, tingling in the hands/feet, etc. There are an increasing number of people with CM being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. And I find it

intriguing that hypothyroidism causes problems with bone maturation. TCS means Tethered Cord Syndrome. Of particular interest is a form of TCS that is very hard to detect, called Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome ("occult" meaning hidden). OTCS does NOT show up on any MRI. It is a condition where the fibrous strand of tissue that anchors the spinal cord to the tailbone is too tight. This pulls down on the spinal cord, keeping it in a constant state of traction. This puts strain on all of the nerves that exit along its length - which can cause just about any symptom throughout the body you can think of. There are a handful of doctors who believe OTCS is the cause of chiari. But it's up for debate. Personally, I think OTCS is the cause (just my opinion). Both of these conditions are the kind that people walk around with for YEARS and never realize they have

them. Many people are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, CFS, MS, etc. CM and OTCS are STRUCTURAL abnormalities that usually don't present until early adulthood. Most symptoms of CM and OTCS mimic those of hypothyroidism. There ARE some subltle signs of OTCS and chiari. Here's a list of symptoms. You can see how many are common to hypothyroidism: headaches ringing in the ears eye problems (lazy eye, nystagmus, strabismus, etc) sinus problems swallowing problems (i.e. feeling as if something is caught in your throat when swallowing) choking poor circulation/circulation problems (i.e. one foot is cold, the other is warm) low sex drive lack of sensation in the pelvic region IBS-like symptoms (constipation/diarrhea) brain fog/trouble focusing memory

problems frequent yawning dizziness/vertigo frequent urination/frequent urge to go urinary incontinence bowel incontinence any abnormality of the feet (i.e. flat feet, high arches, pigeon toed, etc) hyperflexibility (i.e. being really flexible, joints come out of socket, etc) easily bruising leg pain back/neck cracking/popping (i.e. you get relief from doing this)

[Guest guest]

,

You have done an outstanding job of presenting your case regarding

Chiari, etc. Thank you for taking the time to do so.

Ray