Hello, friends,
A quick summary… 2.5 years ago I developed a tremor in my left arm/hand that started a few days after a hard chiro adjustment. My left leg joined the party 6 months later (I unfortunately had continued chiro). I was screened and tested for everything, and had a brain MRI which was normal. I had initially suspected neck issues, and went to Caring Medical for prolo, which, unfortunately, did not help. Dr. Hauser did, however, do more digging, and requested another MRI and CT scans which revealed elongated styloids and IJV compression on the left side (along with concurring neck ultrasounds indicating IIH). He did point out that C1 was the main culprit, but the styloid was not allowing for much space for the IJV. He also asked more questions about my history (feeling that there had to be a past injury in addition to the chiro manipulation), and we concluded that this probably started 7 years ago when I was running with my dog, literally flew over her, and landed face first (chin & nose) on the sidewalk. A fractured pinkie finger, road rash, no concussion… I thought I had escaped fairly unharmed! It makes sense that my neck took a little beating.
I had a bilateral styloidectomy in May of this year with Dr. Hackman. He said there was a ton of inflammation on the left side, and the tremor increased immediately after surgery, which he took as a sign that we hit the right spot. Went back to Dr. Hauser, who did another CBCT, showing that dang C1 still compressing the jugular. He recommended against more prolo, and said he could refer me to Dr. Fargen if I wanted. In the meantime, I’ve been trying Atlas Orthoganol, which at times has really made a big difference, but has not stayed. Oddly enough, the tremor also stops completely when I lie down to go to sleep.
I set up a virtual consultation last month with Kjetil Larsen (he’s currently in Columbia finishing med school) and sent him all my scans. I wish I would have recorded the call, as there was so much information! He took measurements, and I did note that he said, “the transverse process is far anterior to to the posterior aspect for the jugular foramen, especially on the left side: 9mm on right, 11mm on left.” Luckily, he shared my case on his Instagram page… basically his notes from our appointment. I’ve attached screenshots below.
I have found a wonderful primary care doctor who is very interested in getting to the bottom of this. He ordered a neck MRI (no contrast), which a radiologist reviewed, just noting “minor” issues at (I believe) C5, with no mention of C1. I’ve sent the MRI to Kjetil, and we have another virtual appt this Wednesday. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about his work… I’m very excited to hear what he has to say.
