Can an existing Chiari Malformation be significantly worsened after a car accident?

[BrenChiari]

I am trying to find out information to help my son. He had a previous Chiari Malformation that drastically worsened after he was rear-ended in a car accident.  I have read several places that Chiari can be Caused by an accident, however, can it be Worsened by an accident. Thank you so much in advance for your help!

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Yes! it is possible to have Chiari symptoms worsen after any head or neck trauma....so, a MVA  can be the reason for his symptoms worsening
A MVA can not only trigger symptoms of a dormant Chiari but one that already has symptoms can have them increase in severity and for those that do not have Chiari they can develop low lying tonsils which are the same symptoms as those with Chiari.A MVA can not cause Chiari since Chiari is the malformation of the skull.

[BrenChiari]

Thank you SelmaS!   I really appreciate your input.   I am specifically trying to find a case study or a medical opinion confirming the fact that Chiari can worsen after an MVA.   If Anyone knows where I can find this information I would be eternally grateful -- thank you!

[selmaS]

NHI may have something  since they do the studies-
https://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/cgi/detail.cgi?A_2000-N-0089.html

[BrenChiari]

SelmaS -- Thank you so much for this information!   I will definitely follow-up with this group to see if they have any proof that Chiari worsens with an auto accident and whiplash injury.  

If you run across anything else that might give me some answers, I greatly appreciate it!    

Thank you!!

[selmaS]

Well I can give you first hand knowledge as I did have whip lash that went unDX'd for 14 years and I know it did in fact affect my Chiari symptoms....unfortunately I did not get my Chiari DX until many years later......there is no way you could have whip lash and it not affect the Chiari symptoms as they affect the same areas.  Whip lash changes the cervical lordosis...and this can put pressure on the brain stem and spinal cord....not a good thing to be going on when you could have compression of both due to Chiari. It took me years to get someone to actually look at that area of my head...no one would listen....then again, back then they did not do MRI's to check for things like Chiari.....we are talking 1970's......then when they started to do MRI's the Drs and radiologists were not educated to know how this condition affects us , so many times it is overlooked as an incidental finding.
Good luck!