Will I need surgery?

[Rosemary2848]

Ok so when I was 4 years old I was diagnosed with Chiari malformation but I didn't start getting symptoms till last year. This Wednesday I am going in for an MRI scan and I am super nervous. I am 15 years old and would like advice and tips. Also what should I expect in my near future?

[selmaS]

  Hi Rosemary and welcome to the Chiari forum.

You have questions only a NS can answer at this point.....

I know you said you only started to have symptoms recently but I would bet you always had them..Chiari is congenital meaning we have it since birth....so we grow accustomed to the symptoms and adjust to them considering them to be "normal" ways to feel....it is only when the symptoms flare and worsen we take notice of them.

The only thing you should expect at this point is more testing to see how your Chiari is affecting your overall health and to  see if you have any other related conditions.

Educate yourself and your parents so you will know when you are with the right Dr....having the right Dr is key!