Head pain with car movement???

Hello Everyone :)  After having a few bad head days (did too much) I was at work and was getting above average head pain and "brown outs" every time I stood up or sat down.  After a while they sent me home, I think they didn't want me falling over.  On the way home I noticed that when making a sharp corner or braking that I was getting the sharp head pains.  I have never had them when driving the car before, anyone else have this happen?

[608lion]

Oh yes!! I live in WI and roads have a lot of potholes and bumps. They are horrid on the head!! I also can't drive over  55 or on Interstates (4 lane highways) without feeling like I'm in a video game just waiting to wipe out.

[*Stormy*]

I have had them while driving too. I find the best way is to try and prevent your head from jarring if you go over a bump  or turn a fast corner. I have taken to driving with my seat very straight up with my head against the headrest. It was a little weird to get used to at first but it is the only way I drive now. To tell  you the truth, I avoid driving much at all now b/c I always have at least one of my kids in the car and just driving triggers that confused out of it feeling and I find I have difficulty concentrating and am easily distracted. So for now, I only do short day trips and I have to wait for my hubby to be around to do the long trips or at night driving. I am hoping as I keep healing from surgery that this is one of the things that is going to get better b/c with 3 kids...it is really inconvienient!!

[*Stormy*]

One more thing...the way you were describing it feeling like a video game...that is exactly how I feel too!! I feel like it is almost out of my control...

[selmaS]

Hi...yes I get that too and when I am going to be in the car for ne length of time I take a fluffy bed pillow and recline my seat a little which helps me to keep my head from bobbing all over.

Many of us with chiari have other issues like EDS and with that some may have cerviocranial instability.....sometimes referred to as being like a bobble head......so if u can stabilize it a bit, u should feel better. I am not allowed to drive, but from when I did I remember when ever u drive u tend to get tense in the neck muscles which can also add to the pain u feel.

[608lion]

I was hoping that feeling would go away with surgery.Still 5 mos.later it's the same. For the last 9 or so years I had to take the back roads to work. Thank God I am familiar with a lot of back roads.

[selmaS]

Sometimes surgery can make it worse...especially if u have tethered cord...by it's very nature of being tethered it holds ur head tight, once released it can bobble and wobble all over.

EDS is another condition that can be the cause of the bobble head syndrome as with EDS our joints and ligaments can be too lax and again u have the bobble effect.

Do mention it to ur dr if u were not tested for EDS to see if it could be an underlying issue.

[Spaceystac]

I to experience issues in the car, sharp corners are not fun. The fear of being rear ended is worse than it used to be. I have a hard time sitting with my head flat against the rest, my back just doesnt want to bend that way. Bad posture. Sometimes it feels like I should just wear a neck brace, or just not go when my neck hurts in the first place.   Driving at night is the worst for me. I have astigmatism, plus my vision gets blurry later in the day. Add some rain into the mix and I will be driving us into a ditch in no time.

[*Stormy*]

Selma...EDS is definitely on "the list' ....starting to sound somewhat scary!! My doctor isn't going to know what hit her!!

608lion- I hear you....I refuse to drive on unfamiliar roads now, it just adds to the confusion!!

[selmaS]

Is this ur chiari specialist u r referring to or a PCP?

Cuz my NS and NL at TCI did the exam for EDS......I was aware of it, but felt there was no way I had it....lol...live and learn : )

"selma"

[*Stormy*]

My PCP but I am hoping she will refer me to the right place...

We have nothing like the TCI here, it is just a bunch of specialists that don't talk to each other... I am thinking a rheumatologist maybe??

No true Chiari specialists here that I have found...my NS is the closest one by far..

[selmaS]

I understand the dilemma....getting to the ones we do have is a very frustrating course of events here as well.....

A rheumatoid dr to look for EDS is good, but try to see if u can find one that specializes if u can. I am waiting to see one here...I have to travel to Baltimore , MD but she is the best from all that I have read...she sets up a plan and then ur local rheumatoid dr follows the course of treatment.