Chiari Malformation

[efaucette]

I had a chiari decompression 2 1/2 years ago. After surgery my symptoms were much improved. Last December I had seizure in which I went face first into the floor. I broke my nose, knocked out teeth, and injured my neck. My neck is not improving and, in fact, getting worse. Many of the Chiari symptoms have returned. Can a neck injury cause a repeat Chiari problem? I have had a neck x-ray, but it is fine. The doctor sees arthritis, but no sign of fracture. A fracture was a concern since I have fractured many of mine due to osteoporosis. He has told me it is just arthritis and I would have developed this problem anyway. I just can't agree. Other than when I had the Chiari, prior decompression, I have never had any neck problems. I find it odd that all these problems developed after injuring my neck. If it is arthritis would I not have noticed a problem prior to the injury? I do have an arthritic spine, among other joints. But why would it suddenly be so acute after an injury and not improve?

[efaucette]

I have never had one. I only had a chiari malformation.

[selmaS]

  With Chiari u may have other related conditions....like syringomyelia, tethered cord, ICP, POTS,. or ehlers-danlos...it is important to know if u have ne of these related conditions b4 u decide to treat ur Chiari with surgery as many of them can affect how u feel and heal post op.

[kcarp71]

how big was your syrinix bfor they decided to do surgery.  i had a recent mri and mine is now from t3 down to t8-9, a year ago was t4 down to t8-9, year before when it was found was t4 down to t8.  i have seen some pics of mri's on this site and i dont believe mine is as wide but i sure experience alot of pain.  

[efaucette]

Thank you. My PCP is scheduling an MRI and I have called my NS for an appointment. As for the seizures, I have been having them for 15 years now. No one can explain why. I do not know what you mean by ruling out conditions before my surgery. The Chiari malformation was found during a routine MRI of my neck. I had been having symptoms, but they were blamed on other things.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Have u had a MRI since ur fall?....It is possible to cause low lying tonsils from a fall and depending on what else is going on in that area may cause Chiari symptoms....it can also cause a syrinx to form....

Did u have all Chiari related conditions ruled out B4 ur surgery?

There are several conditions that have developed for some chiarians post op....seizures, epilepsy, ICP, POTS....are just a few....

I would suggest seeing ur Chiari NS if possible or get a Dr to at least do a MRI...see if u have a CSF obstruction.