Chiari Malformation, Sport and Extensive Syringomyelia

Hi, my 14 yo daughter's MRI results were returned yesterday and a request has been sent to a neurosurgeon to treat the extensive syringomyelia caused by Chiari Malformation 1.  She suffers most of the symptoms described by the readers in this forum beginning with head aches and progressing to asymetrical tingling and numbness of face, neck, shoulder, arm, leg and foot and manages them extremely well.
My question is; Is it safe for her to continue playing field hockey while we wait for surgery or should we, her parents, stop her playing all sport etc?

[rod44]

I would suggest that you contact your daughters NS and see what they suggest. Chiari & Syringomyelia can progress as a result of straining, coughing or sneezing so there is going to be risk involved in most types of physical sport. Personally I would not risk making things worse, error on the side of caution.

Ray

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I must concur with Ray....I know how I feel just going out shopping, field hockey can be a contact sport and I would not want to risk it.

We r happy to have u join our little family here, but not happy for the reasons that u had to seek us out.

"selma"

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. In Chiari malformations, the pressure in brain increases which manifests itself as dizziness, diplopia (blurring of vision), migraine like headaches, muscle weakness, facial pain, hearing problems, and extreme fatigue. Sometimes this malformation causes dizziness while working with hands above the shoulder level. Therefore, it is wise if she has symptoms she should restrict her strenuous activities. Once treated, then she can resume back. Please consult her treating doctor for a better insight of the situation. Hope it helps.

[*Stormy*]

Welcome!

I agree with everyone. I didn't know I had Chiari and I ignored what my body was telling me and kept going with my physical activities. This caused my symptoms to rapidly progress...So for now, I would limit her activities. Running can cause the pressure to go up in your head from the high impact and I found that was a really bad thing for me. Every time after a run, I would get a headache, feel dizzy and start to see hazes. Also, you don't want her to get bumped and fall, hurting her head and neck and causing further symptoms. I agree this is something you should ask her doctor.

Take care and good luck!
Carolyn

[dkdean]

I was told by my NS that high-impact sports/running would definitely make my symptoms worse--It wouldn't necessarily make the Chiari progress faster, but it would make my symptoms worse.

Thinking of your family!!