A young teacher who suffered from debilitating headaches when she laughed and a host of other mysterious symptoms for over a decade has finally received a life-altering diagnosis: a condition causing part of her brain to protrude into her spinal canal.
A Decade of Dismissed Symptoms
Shelli Gunnoe, a 26-year-old primary school teacher from South Carolina, USA, spent more than 14 years seeking answers for a confusing array of health problems. Her unusual symptoms, which included tingling in her arms and fingers, severe nausea, an intolerance to heat, and episodes where her vision would fade, were repeatedly dismissed by medical professionals.
One of the most distinctive signs was a headache triggered by laughter. "I get a headache when I laugh because my brain is falling out," Shelli explained. The breaking point came during a severe episode of dizziness and heat intolerance at work, which left her unable to stand and required her fiancé to collect her.
The Complex Diagnosis
That incident finally led to a neurology referral and an MRI scan in November 2024. The scan revealed a 4mm Chiari malformation. This condition occurs when the cerebellar tonsils at the base of the brain are pushed down through the opening at the skull's base, disrupting cerebrospinal fluid flow and pressing on the spinal cord.
However, Shelli's case was further complicated. A follow-up MRI suggested her symptoms might also align with pseudo-tumour cerebri, potentially linked to enlarged brain ventricles and a history of hydrocephalus—a buildup of fluid in the brain diagnosed back in 2009. Doctors now believe her health struggles may originate from her traumatic birth via emergency C-section, after which she required a hip brace at six months old.
Living with Uncertainty and Advocacy
Despite initially being told surgery wasn't needed, Shelli's condition worsened. Simple actions like standing up, bending down, or looking upwards became difficult, triggering instant dizziness, blurry vision, and extreme fatigue. She is now in a 'watch and wait' phase, monitored by neurologists as they evaluate her complex combination of conditions.
She manages her symptoms through careful lifestyle adjustments, prioritising rest and hydration. Remarkably, Shelli continues to teach full-time and pursues modelling, content creation, and adapted fitness training. She is determined not to let her invisible illness define her.
"It’s a strange balance – acknowledging the reality of a neurological condition while refusing to let it shrink my goals or identity," she said. Shelli now aims to be a voice for others, particularly plus-size women and those with chronic conditions, who feel their health struggles are minimised. Her message is clear: you can advocate for yourself, seek second opinions, and chase big dreams while living with something hard.
