Headaches that do not stop

[margaret5]

I was diagnosed with Chiari type 1, 3 years ago, the headaches are now a constant and don't seem to go away, i have dizziness and pain and numbness in my right shoulder and arm. I was also diagnosed with a 10 mm pineal cyst. I recently seen a neurologist and he dismissed me telling me that he gets migraines from cheese so to find my trigger. I have been having these massive headaches now for a full month, not one day with out the headache. All symptoms get worse when I exercise and blurred vision occurs. I am not sure what to do at this point but the headaches are becoming debilitating. Any suggestions on what I should do?

[margaret5]

Thank you that is very good to know, I do work on a computer but I also do weighted physicals with people all day so this is hard. I love sports so I guess i may just have to find something else I like !

[margaret5]

Thank you so much for your help!!

[Lottida]

I just wanted to enforce Selma's post..........Chiari headaches are aggravated by many different activities some of which are daily activities.  I would suggest to get on a stool softner if ok with your doctor or increase fiber in your diet to help avoid straining with BMs.  Squat to pick up things instead of bending & use leg muscles as much as possible.  If lifting is required, try to keep it to a minimal weight & always use center of gravity to help (meaning pick up objects & hold them closest to your stomach/chest to help minimize strain).   Also looking up makes headaches worse due to compression increases when the back of head has to bend.........if you work with a computer try to get it set up at eye level.   Hope this may be of some help.  I know the headaches will continue but sometimes we can help alleviate some symptoms with just some minor changes in our lives!!  :-)

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

So many Drs are not aware of how Chiari can and does affect us....so it is not surprising to hear you were told to find your triggers.....

A Dr that does know about Chiari will tell you to avoid strain...so exercising where you increase your heart rate will cause strain...and symptoms to flare....try walking or swimming  for exercise right now to help keep symptoms  to a minimum.

Bending , lifting, pulling or pushing can trigger symptoms..even looking up, coughing, laughing all can be painful.

It is trial and error to see what activities will cause you more pain, keep a journal and educate yourself on Chiari and ALL related conditions. Then research Drs and find a true Chiari specialist...having the right Dr is Key. And lastly know you are not alone.