Hit my head with Chiari?

[NicoleAdia]

Hi, I recently had the stomach bug and woke up in the middle of the night, ended up passing out and falling and hitting my head.  There is a bump on the side of my head and I've had a headache ever since.  I have Chiari Malformation and have intermittent symptoms.  I am wondering if hitting my head with having Chiari is worse in any way.  I don't think I have a concussion, but I have a bad headache.  Should I get checked out?  Or just lots of rest?

[NicoleAdia]

yes! Head is feeling a lot better overall, although still persisting Chiari headache.  I got checked out and everything is good neurologically and internally! Thanks!

[NicoleAdia]

Thank you!!

[The_beat_goes_on]

is your head any better?  Even without Chiari, falling and hitting your head and a lasting headache are worth a look ...  I hope you're feeling better!

[selmaS]

  Yes Dr H is a good one to stick with.....and he may be better able to inform u who may be in ur area that knows Chiari as he goes to conferences and knows others in the field...so u may want to start there.

I was lucky in that my PCP knew a little and bcuz I was DX'd did some research on his own and I continue with him instead of trying to locate a NL as they can be very difficult to find.

Just bcuz ur PCP is not a specialist he should have ur over all care in ur best interest and should be willing to learn so he can be sure u have the best care.

[NicoleAdia]

Thank you! I saw Dr. Henderson in Maryland and he was amazing, so I may have to stick with him.  One last question! Because I don't require surgery at this point, I'm curious if there are other types of doctors that might have some Chiari specialty, like neurologists or primary care doctors of some sort, that can be of any help.  So far, every type doctor I've seen has seemed to be brand new at working with Chiari.  Starting to feel like the internet has more help than seeing an actual doctor in terms of Chiari.

[selmaS]

  Well u r not that far from where I am...and I traveled to Philly and was not impressed...so I went to NY.....U could also travel down to MD as there are good Drs there too for Chiari.

Not aware we r more prone to have a concussion, but I know it may trigger symptoms to flare and u should be checked to make sure there is no additional swelling as a result of the trauma.

[NicoleAdia]

I just relocated to Pennsylvania and so no Chiari Drs. in the area.  I haven't had surgery because symptoms aren't severe enough at this point.  Any idea if concussions are more likely with Chiari?  And do you have any tips on finding a Chiari specialist in my area?
Thanks!!

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum,

It may cause ur symptoms to flare...and u should inform ur Dr. AS having the bug itself can affect ur Chiari and how u feel so do talk to ur Drs.

Do u have a Chiari specialist and have u had surgery yet, scheduled?