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What Are The Most Common Complaints/symptoms Do You See With Chiari Malformation?
Question: What are the most common complaints/symptoms do you see with chiari malformation? I have been getting a lot of headaches at the back of my head. I've noticed they are often the worst if I wake up in the morning with pressure behind my eyes and then if I stand up and bend over to get something they get intense. I had a sneezing fit the other day and got another bad headache. I have frequent episodes of nausea and get dizzy and off balance. I've had neck pain for a long time and thought that was the cause of it but my MRI of my neck only showed mild arthritis. It was suggested I go to see a neurologist to check for Chiari. I am scheduled to see them in 2 weeks but not sure if this could be a possible cause.
Brief Answer:
Chiari malformation symptoms explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are three groups of symptoms related to Chiari malformation according to the neural structures involved:
1- symptoms caused by brainstem compression ( neck pain, headaches, downbeat nystagmus, snoring, dysphagia, tongue atrophy, facial numbness, drop attacks, speech issues, hiccups).
2- symptoms caused by spinal cord compression ( + syringomyelia): ( scoliosis, dissociated sensory loss, sensory disturbances, wasting of hands muscles, arm/hand weakness, urinary incontinence, spastic legs).
3- symptoms related to cerebellar dysfunction: ( ataxia or imbalance, nystagmus ).
So, your symptoms don't indicate Chiari malformation, furthermore, the MRI of your neck didn't confirm it.
Besides neurological evaluation, I think you should have a brain MRI done in order to get a better understanding of your condition.
Your symptoms may suggest ( partially ) a condition known as idiopathic intracranial pressure ( or pseudotumor cerebri ) especially if you are overweight.
Discuss with your Neurologist about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
Chiari malformation symptoms explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are three groups of symptoms related to Chiari malformation according to the neural structures involved:
1- symptoms caused by brainstem compression ( neck pain, headaches, downbeat nystagmus, snoring, dysphagia, tongue atrophy, facial numbness, drop attacks, speech issues, hiccups).
2- symptoms caused by spinal cord compression ( + syringomyelia): ( scoliosis, dissociated sensory loss, sensory disturbances, wasting of hands muscles, arm/hand weakness, urinary incontinence, spastic legs).
3- symptoms related to cerebellar dysfunction: ( ataxia or imbalance, nystagmus ).
So, your symptoms don't indicate Chiari malformation, furthermore, the MRI of your neck didn't confirm it.
Besides neurological evaluation, I think you should have a brain MRI done in order to get a better understanding of your condition.
Your symptoms may suggest ( partially ) a condition known as idiopathic intracranial pressure ( or pseudotumor cerebri ) especially if you are overweight.
Discuss with your Neurologist about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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