Hi.  My name is Carolyn.  I'm 28, and have been dealing with Chiari, EDS, POTS, and cranio-cervical instability for the last 10 years.

I’ve been having a lot of problems lately that could possibly be explained by my dysautonomia and cranio-cervical instability.  But I’m starting to realize that MCAD really better describes a lot of episodes I have.  And I think it is getting worse or flaring up right now.  I’ve been paying really close attention to my symptoms and my potential triggers.  Here’s what I’ve figured out so far:

Environmental triggers for me include being outside and inhaling even tiny amounts of cigarette smoke, incense, and strong perfumes.  Exposure to environmental triggers causes the following predictable succession of symptoms:
-watery eyes
-drippy nose
-itchy throat and chin
-dripping sweat
-full-body flushing
-headache
-feeling overwhelmed

I have a few known food triggers.  I’m still experimenting to see what else there is.  Known triggers include dairy and gluten.  Food triggers causes a separate, but still predictable succession of symptoms:
-stomach bloating and pressure
-feeling really out of it, zoning out
-fatigue
-headache

I also have symptoms with unknown causes.  I often wake up with swollen eyes and lips.  I often have really itchy eyes or nose.  I also have periods of really low blood pressure out of the blue.  I often have intense brain fog and severe headaches.

What else should I look out for?  I eat the same diet every day, and I’m experimenting to try to find out what triggers are left in my diet.  I’ve eliminated dairy and gluten.  No perfumes or sprays in our apartment.

I'm still just learning about MCAD.  I'm interested in if there are any doctors in the Milwaukee/Chicago area.  How MCAD is diagnosed.  How it is treated.  How effective treatment is.

I'm glad to join this group, and hope to learn a lot.

What Joan said.

Too there is a cerebral blood flow disease by the acronyms CCSVI's.  I forget what that stands for, but basically it means improper blood flow to the brain due to goofed up valves in your neck.   From what I've heard, it doesn't respond particularly well to treatment (i.e. stents, Yikes !), and researchers are beginning to suspect it is due more to systemic inflammation than anything else.   So, you're right back where you started really.   Sorry if that didn't help any.

Todd in Tenn.