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Cough headaches post chiari surgery

I'm wondering if anyone can offer any advice as I never seem to get anywhere with my gp.i had decompression surgery for chiari type 1 and syringo myelia in 2000.i had 5 years post op care and as far as I know everything successful.i do have a few strange side effects that are bearable but the one thing I cannot cope with is the extreme pain I get in my head about 20 seconds after coughing.it really is intense to the point that I'm rocking head in hands,crying.i take meds immediately but it lasts for about 30 mins.
I want to know what this is,I presume its pressure,and why I still suffer with it after successful surgery.When it's happening is it harmful to me,other than the obvious pain?
In searches I have only found issues like this pre surgery.
Any information would really be appreciated
Best Answer
5640779 tn?1375813366
Hi Peyton
Your symptoms sound like a case I just heard about. If you don't already have it, get a copy of your operative report. You can get this from the hospital. Also get a copy of your MRI's including your most recent. Then consider making an appointment with Dr Oro in Aurora, Co. for an evaluation. This way you will know for certain. Good luck :-) Lisa
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5640779 tn?1375813366
The reason I suggest having a top specialist review your case is obviously to rule out complications. Some have been mentioned. The case I heard about that was similar to yours was a result of over decompression. It was fixed by an experienced surgeon. Good luck in your search :-) Lisa
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I didn't have a lamenectomy or dura plasty as far as I'm aware.i have a gp appointment coming up so will ask to be referred to the neurologist for answers and a copy of previous reports.
I was told my Syrinx had shrunk but I don't remember to what degree.my memory and concentration have been awful since surgery so I guess I need someone to come with me when I speak to them .because of my memory I can't say exactly how long iv had this issue but I know it's been at least a few years if not the whole time post op.
It does sound like it may be a spinal fluid pressure issue after reading other peoples experience of it on here,so I will put this to my gp.
Thankyou for your feedback,I really appreciate it and hope to be able to post a 'happy and feeling much better after getting answers' comment soon
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  HI and welcome to the Chiari forum.

May I ask how long after surgery did u discover this issue....it could be that there is still a CSF obstruction, or another underlying issue not addressed during surgery.

Has ur syrinx shrunk?....U said u had a 5 yr post op visit...what was said then?

Scar tissue can develop and cause this issue as well as bulging disks....but  it can also happen if not enuff room was made....or if u have a retroflexed odontoid and it was not DX'd or addressed.....

Did u have a lamenectomy and dura plasty during surgery? As Lisa suggested getting the OR report can help u know just what took place during ur surgery and may help figure out y u continue with this pain,
Helpful - 0
4515626 tn?1369854914
i had the same symptoms with the coughing before surgery since my surgery i dont have the pain when i cough too me it felt like my brain was in a vice being squeezed but i do still get a headache when im coughing allergies colds whatever the case is may i ask do u ever pass out black out or have seizures after this happens that seems to be common for me atleast sorry i dont really have answers as i am actually searching for them myself i had decompression along with a spinal fusion and my cerebral tonsils were removed in june of this year please keep me posted on your search for answers and i will do the same for you good luck DEREK
Helpful - 0
5640779 tn?1375813366
Maybe he would be willing to review your films and report and speak with you on the phone, I am not certain but it never hurts to ask. If not perhaps he may know someone there. Your report is key. Good luck, I hope you get your answers soon :-) Lisa
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thankyou for getting back to me so quick,
I live in the UK so cannot see Dr Oro.I don't have a copy of my medical reports but I agree that I should so will look into that,Thankyou :)
Helpful - 0
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