Does this sound like Chiari?

I have these really wierd headaches I always discribe them to my husband as "one of those pressurized headaches" it seems to start in the back of my neck and up into my head then my whole head just feels like it just wants to pop! the sides of my head hurt and my eyes hurt and some times when I turn my head to look at something behind me I get this wierd pressure feeling in my head so I have to turn back around to relieve the pressure. Any input would be great!!

[cherrybaby1982]

How is a Chiari Malformation diagnosed?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - a non-invasive test which uses a large magnet to create a picture of internal organs) can clearly show if the cerebellar tonsils are out of position.  However, since the definition of Chiari is changing, most doctors will use a combination of reported symptoms, a neurological exam, MRI results, and their experience and judgment to determine if a person has Chiari.  Unfortunately, there is no single, objective test which can clearly say that someone has a Chiari malformation which is causing problems.

What is a Chiari Malformation?
Chiari Malformation Type I (CM) is a neurological disorder where part of the brain, the cerebellum (or more specifically the cerebellar tonsils), descends out of the skull into the spinal area.  This results in compression of parts of the brain and spinal cord, and disrupts the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid which bathes the brain and spinal cord).

What are the symptoms?
Because Chiari involves the nervous system, symptoms can be numerous and varied.  In fact, one large study showed that the vast majority of Chiari patients reported 5 or more symptoms, and 49 distinct symptoms were reported by 2 or more patients.  Despite this variety, the most common Chiari symptom, and the hallmark of the disease, is a headache.  Usually, the Chiari headache is described as an intense pressure in the back of the head and is brought on, or aggravated, by exercise, straining, coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending over, or similar activities.  Other common symptoms include balance problems and fullness in the ears.  In very young children, trouble swallowing is one of the most frequent symptoms.  When thinking about symptoms, it is also important to keep in mind that once a person's health is compromised in one way (with Chiari for example), secondary problems are more likely to develop, especially if a person is in chronic pain.  Research has shown that people with chronic pain are much more likely to develop other chronic conditions, so not every symptom may be a direct result of a Chiari Malformation.

[youngwife]

Yes, it's possible you have Chiari.  There are other illnesses that mimic Chiari symptoms.  None of us could tell you for sure if you have it...

  ONLY a Chiari Specialist  would be able to diagnose you.  There are many across the States, if you're interested in locating one, send me a message and I'll tell you the names that I know of.