Its normal to be worried about the unknown but you’re among a lot of people here who’ve been through this successfully.
My own view is that it is a rare condition to a Primary Care doctor but by the time you get to see a neuro in a big city, you will be with someone who sees these things often enough.
I too felt I could calm myself down because of the pulsatile tinnitus:
http://www.avmsurvivors.org/t/the-process-of-diagnosis-takes-a-long-time/15661/12
Its been a long journey but you’ll get there. There is no benefit to worrying, and so long as you’re convinced you need treatment, then the risks of surgery are worth facing.
No point in worrying before you see the neuro and he can tell you what he thinks. What do you think your next appointment is about?
Very best wishes,
Richard