Chiari I Malformation diagnosis

[Jefflol]

As you can see I'm new to the site, and decided it was time to get some answer from some way more knowledgeable people. A few days ago I went to my PCP because I have had a Migraine for at that time 6 days straight. I've never had a history of migraines or headaches in general for that matter. My pcp gave me a few shots for pain, an anti inflammatory, and a nausea medicine. She told me that if it didn't help to return. Well, 2 hours after the shots I still had no relief. So I returned. Her advice was to go to the local ER and tell them my issue and have them do a CT scan to check to make sure everything was alright. Well, they did the CT scan and upon review diagnosed me with Chiari I Malformation. At that point the ER doctor also called and referred me to a neurosurgeon. Now, my question is does this seem a bit hasty? To go from a CT scan in the ER, to a diagnosis, to a referral to an actual surgeon? Should I be concerned that it is the correct diagnosis and that it's bad enough to warrant a surgery this soon? Any opinions or answers will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for taking the time to read.  

[selmaS]

  I know getting the awareness out is not easy....but we will keep on trying : )

  We wear purple for our members when they r in surgery to show awareness and support...

  Glad to see u have ur surgery date, congratulations : )

[jellybird]

M\ay I suggest if you choose surgery I recomend Dr. Rosen.  He doesnt have tghe greastest personalilty lol, but is an excellent NS.  I work in the OR and know that he has great outcomes and has done many chiari's because I've scheduled the cases lol.

[jellybird]

Thank you for encouragement.  Havent had a chance yet to check the whole site out but will add my surgery date (which is sept 12th).  It is soo great to see that your not alone since everyone you talk to has never heard of it.  

[linnielou232]

I'm just happy for you at least you know what direction to go in and yes take it one step at a time and I also suggest to get more than just 1 oppinion.  It is a hard dicision to make to have surgery or not, but you and your body will let you know what is best for you.  Just know your not alone and we are here to support you.  Best of luck at your appt.  Please let us know how you make out with this.  
Linda :)

[Jefflol]

I am honestly not sure which doctor I will be seeing. I'm still waiting to hear back from WVU after my referral from my pcp. I'll keep you updated, however, on which doctor I do see. And thanks for all the support guys. From what I can tell I'm going to try and put off the surgery as long as possible because I don't feel that my symptoms warrant a surgery so soon.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I hope u will stick around the forum and share ur chiari journey with us : )

We do have a thread to list ur surgery date, so we can post a prayer thread....

Know u r not alone with this and we r here for u <3

[selmaS]

  Many times it can be a hard cough or a sneeze that can trigger these symptoms too.....and many times we do have symptoms much longer, we just accept them as "normal" feelings and not with symptoms....as u go along ur journey u may find u have had symptoms but were not aware of them.

  As Viva mentioned u r lucky to get a dx so quickly as many of us have gone yrs trying to figure this out.

And deff do not take surgery as something u must do right away unless ur Dr tells u there is no choice, but a good NS will leave surgery as an option for u to decide....

Keep us posted.

[Viva001]

I think you're lucky to get an early Dx.  You don't have to feel rushed into surgery; take your time to consider it.  I made an appointment far enough away that i would feel comfortable w/that decision.  I ended up moving the date up when i couldnt take suffering anymore.  .I think most people here don't regret having had surgery, and waiting too long, well... That seems to be where the regret is.
Good luck!

[jellybird]

I am curious which doctor you are seeing at wvu?  I am newly diagnosed with chiari and I'm schedule for surgery in Sept. at WVU.  

[Jefflol]

Nope. That's the thing. Over the past few months the migraines have become worse but they just started out of the blue. Well, I don't know for sure but WVU (West Virginia University) is known for it's amazing hospitals, doctors, etc. So whether or not they have Chiari experience I'll find out soon enough. As for symptoms, the most prevalent are: Intense migraines on the right side of my head around the temple, trouble remembering things especially short term, trouble focusing or paying attention, and sleep problems. I rarely sleep. So I'm sort of at a loss here.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Well if the NS is one that knows chiari and is well experienced with it they should send u for more testing at this point.....

A CSF obstruction is what u need to look into as well as what symptoms u r having....

Not all with chiari r surgical candidates....

Did u have a fall or were u in a MVA that may have triggered these symptoms?