Chiari, Occipital Neuralgia or Cervical Facets?

[desertstorm2009]

According to the top neurologists at Barrows, I have three possible diagnosis, two of which have strikingly similar symptoms to Chiari;

1. Occipital Neuralgia - causes severe pain in the back of the head, radiating up sides and top along with scalp pain and headaches caused by greater occipital nerve inflammation. Can radiate into neck and shoulders. When I looked at a picture of the anatomy of these nerves, it was every point of pain on the back of my scalp! (diagnosed and treated by occipital nerve blocks, steroid shots in the scalp on the back of the head, takes 2 - 5 days for relief)

2. Cervical Facets - causes severe pain in neck and head radiating up sides can go to top. Caused by injury, sports, arthritis etc... of the cervical spine. (diagnosed and treated with injections in the neck under fluoroscopy), if this is the problem you get instant relief of the pain, if not, it does not help you! After reading about this one, I feel it should be ruled out in many Chiari cases!

3. Arnold Chiari - we all know this one! For me, sever head ache, scalp and neck pain! (treated with none other than the dreaded decompression surgery)

Has anyone heard or had experience with these other two diagnosis or procedures? Even though I feel I know the inevitable based on my films and family history, I'm probably going to start with the occipital nerve block injections. I'm still pretty much in a state of shock but trying to deal with it. Thoughts anyone, fellow sufferers? Lisa

[selmaS]

No worries.,...I actually know that I am far better off having had surgery, then if I had not....we r all different and it does need to be researched and u need tests to see just how it is affecting u and ur overall health. Only then can u even consider having surgery.

[desertstorm2009]

Thanks 4 the reply... I know you're right that I shouldn't dread the surgery and I hope to get to that point, but I'm not there yet! Thanks for reminding me yours went well. It always helps to hear that:-) Lisa

[selmaS]

  Hi...I know many with Chiari deal with O.N. #1.....it may manifest pre or post op.....

I have not heard ne other Chiarian being DX'd with #2 C.F......???

As I have said many times, it is very important to have testing to rule out ne other condition with similar symptoms to Chiari and we all get tested for things like Lupus, Lymes, and MS.....just a few, and then ALL the related conditions as well as these underlying conditions can affect how u feel and heal post op should u have surgery.

I do not think the surgery need be dreaded....as long as u have all the testing and research Drs u should be in good hands, my surgery went well and I am glad I had it.