Need recommendations for a neurologist in Washington State

I need to find a neurologist who would be willing to consider that 5mm COULD be causing symptoms and won't try to tell me that my symptoms are due to anxiety (I'm 100% sure they aren't) or malingering (again, not the case). If my symptoms are not from Chiari, I need someone willing to help me find out what is causing them.

I live near Everett, but don't mind going into Seattle or Tacoma if needed.

I already met with a NS and he won't operate (not enough herniation), but I still want to establish care with a NL so that we can keep an eye on things and so that if symptoms come back I can get in with a NL relatively quickly (last time it took two months and my foot drop and numbness had cleared up by then).

Thanks

Tags: WA, recommendation

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Permalink Reply by razzle51 on January 3, 2012 at 10:00am

did you see Dr Ellenboggan ? He is in seattle . If you have already been diax you really dont need a Neurologist.

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Permalink Reply by Melinda on January 3, 2012 at 11:10am

I did see him for a consult, he isn't going to operate due to the amount of herniation (5mm). So, if I don't need a NL would I just follow up with my PCP for symptom management?

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Jones on March 14, 2012 at 10:49pm

I was hopeful to get a consult with Dr. Ellenbogen (mine is 8mm) but seeing this kills my hope of getting anywhere.

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Permalink Reply by Melinda on March 14, 2012 at 11:13pm

I was told that he will consider surgery if the herniation is over 7mm, so don't give up hope. Also, I am sure that every situation has a lot of different factors that influence his decision. He didn't think that any of my symptoms are being caused by a Chiari Malformation, but that doesn't mean that he won't be able to help you. I've spoken with other doctors since my appointment with him, and they all have told me that he is the absolute best. At the point, it is seeming like I have something else going on entirely.

Don't let my situation make you lose hope in any way. I really liked Dr. Ellenboggen and respect that he was honest with me and didn't do a surgery that he didn't believe was needed or would be helpful in my situation. He DOES do a lot of them, and is very good at it (from what I am told), so if you need one he would be the guy to see. I hope that you are feeling better very soon.

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Permalink Reply by Tiffany P on March 14, 2012 at 11:33pm

I was seeing Dr Mayadev at Swedish in Seattle for awhile. She does not specialize in Chiari, but how many neurologists do. I liked her because she listend to me and was very understanding. She would try and come up with ideas to make me more comfortable. I had started seeing Dr. Ellenbogen this last fall because he was reccomended as the WA CHiari specialist, he has me set up to see a new Neurologist in April. I felt I was suppose to see a Neoro at UW because they all work together, but I have to say if it does not go well I will be returning to Dr. Meyadev. It is so hard with this condition to know who to go to. I feel like they are still learning so much. I think the Doctors still have alot to learn from us the patients. Good luck. Smiles, Tiffany

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Permalink Reply by Gma7938 on March 15, 2012 at 12:01am

Good luck. We're in Snoqualmie and my daughter has been to a number of people, including Ellenbogan. We've tried everything under the sun it seems, to help her get better. Our family life has been wonderful until her head got badg Her childhood has been amazing...wish mine was that great. Today, I asked an NL at Swedish (Dr. Aurora) how often she HONESTLY sees people like her...you know, with NO depression, no real stress or troubles...just non-stop head pain. The doctor's reply was that it's rare. Usually people have other issues going on. Thus, we've found it's been really hard to fight the "maybe it's stress/anxiety/family/school or whatever else thing."

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Jones on March 15, 2012 at 12:32am

Oh yes, I understand that for sure. Surely, because I am a wife and mother of three young boys, I must be stressed and this may be the cause. So why hasn't it occurred before now? And the fascinating little tidbit that the herniation was absent on a c-spine MRI in July 2010 (no symptoms) yet now it appears at 8 mm in January 2012 brain MRI with a gaggle of symptoms.

I am sorry your family is enduring this, I worry that one day this may show up in one of my boys and they will have to endure this as well.

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Jones on March 15, 2012 at 12:37am

My other MAJOR hurdle is GHC. I have had mostly good care with them for the 9 years we have been insured by them, save for a couple instances, most recently the debacle in Seattle yesterday. And the fact their radiologists, a doctor, and a PA all missed 7 fractures and a significant Lis Franc injury in 2010 from which I am still healing.

You ladies are amazing, I feel better knowing I have others here locally that are enduring this.

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Permalink Reply by Christy Mullen on March 15, 2012 at 1:17am

I have a friend in Seattle who see's a NL. I'll ask him but he does not have chiari but I trust his opinion to

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Jones on March 15, 2012 at 1:41am

I originally saw Dr. Bright...loads of irony there and recently saw Dr. Huang. At this point I will likely be undergoing a very ugly battle w my insurance company if the next doc I see is as much of a flake as Dr. Huang. I requested Dr. Ellenbogen but was denied" he only does tumors" was their reason. I will grant them that he does tumors, and beautifully I might add, but he is also a widely respected expert, having published in this area.

I definitely appreciate any help you can offer. And thank your friend for me as well :-)

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Permalink Reply by Christy Mullen on March 15, 2012 at 9:42am

He said there is Chiari specialist that is connected with the UW in Seattle. He does not remember name but he'll get it for me today. He's watched me degrade for months with mine and wants to help you out as much as he can.