Zipperheads uk: DWP

Friday 16 October 2009

DWP

I have been getting a lot of problems with the Department for Works and Pensions in regards to claiming Employment and Support allowance. I originally claimed for this in December 2008 and had to attend a medical at the DWP in April 2009 three days before my Brain Surgery and the day i came out of hospital i received a letter that told me i could no longer claim due to me failing the Medical assessment that was carried out by the DWP.When i attended the medical i asked the Doctor if she knew anything of these disorders to which she replied " No ".I looked at the Medical report and the assessment and found that they both contradicted each other.I decided to put in a appeal.I immediately got on to my MP who came to see me at home who was appalled by the way i had been treated and sent the DWP a letter along with one to the Benefits people.Within one week i received a letter telling me that they had looked into it with my supporting evidence and decided to change their decision.Money was back dated and i felt a great weight had been lifted. I received a letter in August 2009 asking me to attend another Medical Assessment at the DWP to which i attended.Again the Doctor had not heard of the Disorders and so i gave her some information regarding these.She asked me to do some exercises such as Squatting, Bending over to touch my toes and neck exercises to which my reply was " no i cannot do these as the pressure in my head causes me great pain and discomfort" Please also bare in mind i attended with a walking stick which i have had to use since surgery to aid my balance.I received the results back which again stated i was no longer eligible for ESA as i had not scored enough points.In the report it said i could do all the exercises i had been asked to do, I could read with no problems without the aid of glasses. I attended with my glasses as i now have to wear them all the time since surgery as this has affected my eyesight.It also said i could walk without the aid of a walking stick.I contacted my MP yet again and he sent them with my appeal to the DWP and Jobcentre Plus. I am still awaiting the results as it is now at a tribunal.

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Welcome

Hello and welcome to Zipperheads Chiari Blog. I have started this blog in order to help sufferers and their families and to raise awareness regards to this disorder and associated disorders. Like myself i felt alone and thought no one else could understand what i was going through. People seemed to think i was a hypocondriac . There was only my Parents who i could turn to as my Mother had Chiari in her early fourties over twenty years ago and underwent Decompression. I had difficulty getting my GP to help me as he believed i was suffering from depression and even after visiting numerous doctors , specialists and Neurologists they could not diagnose me. It was myself who finally found the problem after studying my MRI's and notes. It was also after joining another Blog that i truly found help and inspiration through others who have and still are suffering. No one truly knows and understands like a fellow sufferer. It is through total ignorance by others that there is no recognition to our problems. So please with help from you we can all help raise more awareness . Please feel free to sign up as a member.

What is Chiari Malformation

The Chiari malformation is an abnormality in the lower part of the brain called the cerebellum. There are several different forms. The most common type is the Chiari I malformation (CM) which this article addresses. Less commonly, it may be known as Arnold-Chiari malformation, tonsillar herniation or tonsillar ectopia. Most cases of Chiari are congenital, meaning they are present from birth.

In normal anatomy, the cerebellar tonsils are located just above this line called the foramen magnum. But in an individual with Chiari, the tonsils hang below the line (herniate) into the spinal canal. The degree to which the tonsils extend can vary tremendously.
What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom of Chiari malformation is a headache, which begins at the back of the head (neck) and radiates upward. The pain is often made worse or can be brought on by coughing, sneezing or straining. These activities are known as valsalva maneuvers.

Visual problems such as nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), double or blurred vision may occur. Balance difficulties, vertigo and dizziness also may be present. Some people may have cranial nerve compression. This can result in apnea (cessation of breathing), gagging, swallowing difficulties, facial numbness or syncope (temporary loss of consciousness).

Patients may have muscle weakness, particularly in the upper extremities, coordination problems, and gait abnormalities. Imaging of the spine may reveal a fluid collection inside of the spinal cord, known as a syrinx. Some individuals may have hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the ventricles of the brain.

What is Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia, often referred to as SM, is a chronic disorder involving the spinal cord. The condition occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (normally found outside of the spinal cord and brain) enters the interior of the spinal cord, forming a cavity known as a syrinx.

This syrinx often expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord. As the nerve fibers inside the spinal cord are damaged, a wide variety of symptoms can occur, depending upon the size and location of the syrinx.

There are two major types of SM. In most cases it is related to a congenital malformation involving the hindbrain (cerebellum) called a Chiari I Malformation. This malformation occurs during fetal development and is characterized by downward displacement of the lower part of the brain (cerebellar tonsils) beneath the foramen magnum, into the cervical spinal canal. This displacement blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. When normal flow is obstructed, a syrinx can form in the spinal cord. Not all patients with Chiari Malformations will develop a syrinx, however.

SM can also occur as a complication of trauma, meningitis, tumor, arachnoiditis, or a tethered spinal cord. In these cases the syrinx forms in the section of the spinal cord damaged by these conditions. As more people are surviving spinal cord injuries, more cases of post-traumatic SM are being diagnosed as the syrinx can form years after the trauma.

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Friday 16 October 2009

DWP

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