Chiari or concussion

[Raleighgirl]

My 17 y.o. Daughter suffered a concussion 8 weeks ago. Due to persistent symptoms, an mri was done. She has chiari 1 of 11mm, minimal CSF flow, and no syrinx at that time. She has tried naprosyn, propranolol, amitriptyline, prednisone, Frova, and now topamax. None have worked.
She currently has constant headache at the back of her head and neck, head pressure, numbness and tingling in her arms to name a few symptoms.
Any thoughts/experience with this situation?  
A NS was consulted at the time of the mri (6 weeks ago). At that time he said the chiari was asymptomatic and to return for follow up in 6 months.
What is a reasonable time to wait and see if her symptoms are from the concussion at this point?
I have never posted a question on a message board before. I'm a little desperate for any light that can be shed on this and appreciate any response.

[selmaS]

  Pains  like  that can  be  just  about  anything....it  could  be  compressed  nerves  or  joint  pain from  related  conditions  like  RA and  EDS....  a  syrinx  would  cause  compression  of  nerves....

  Sorry  I  can  not  be  more  concise  on  this....

[Raleighgirl]

We see the neurologist In two days. She has started to complain of intense pain in her left arm. What experience do any of you have with that, and are you aware if that is from chiari or syrinx?  I Want to discuss follow up with NS with the neurologist at the appointment. Thinking we need NS follow up soon.

[Elisaandbucky]

Reading your responses above from Selma, Mel5056,, and baccalynnwv, you probably are more knowledgeable about how you should proceed. I just wanted to send my support to you as well. This is a great forum; I am glad you found it.

[selmaS]

   Keep  in  mind  the  list  is not  always  an  indicator  the  Dr  is  a true  Chiari  specialist  it  only  means  a  member  of  this  forum,  went  to,  and  was  treated  by  and liked  the Dr....we  need  to  research  ALL  Drs  and  visit  a  few  to  find  the  right one....so,  if  in  your  gut  what  they  say  and do   do not  feel  right...move on  and  find  one  you  are  comfortable  with.
Frustrating  is  an  under  statement....all in  time  and  best  to  go  slow  as  not  to miss  anything.  Keep  us  posted.,

[Raleighgirl]

The NS we saw is on the list you attached. Thank you for that information.
I'm thinking that he and the neurologist are HOPING that the concussion will heal and that the chiari isn't the problem, but at this point I think the chiari has to be considered. We saw the NS 2 weeks after the head injury, so I can understand how he needs time to figure out what is causing her symptoms. It's just frustrating, to say the least.

[Mel5056]

I am sorry to hear about your daughter.  But how the NS states she is asymptomatic is beyond me.  Please please do find a chiari spepcialist that knows all the ins and outs of this.  Wishing you all the best!

[selmaS]

  Hi  and welcome to  the  Chiari forum.

As  the  above poster mentioned finding  a true  Chiari  specialist  is  key....we do have a list of  Drs that  is meant to be  used  as  a tool  to research  Drs as it is not a referral nor an endorsement for those listed on it...educate   yourself  on  Chiari  and ALL  related  conditions.....

  Also  be  advised  you  may  need  to  travel  to  get  to  the  right  Dr.....

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Chiari-Malformation/Links--To--Health--Pages--Info/show/2354115

[baccalynnwv]

I would find a neurosurgeon that specializes in Chiari. From what I have learned, head injury can trigger Chiari symptoms. There is a link somewhere on this site that members have added neurosurgeons they have had positive appointments with. It can take a long time to get in to see a specialist sometimes, so I would start trying now.
Hope she starts feeling better!