Return of headaches

[PJBJP]

Hi just wondering my son had decompression surgery 4 years ago was very successful and the headaches dissapeared. About 3 months ago headaches started back again same place as last time going into his eyes causing extreme pain. Has anyone else had the surgery and had pain back a couple of years later? Seen local GP and he maybe thinks it could be scar tissue grown back where they did operation. Any feedback would be appreciated as he is only 18 and so scared !!!!

[selmaS]

  I pray you are able to get his prior NS to see him as it will be helpful to have a Dr more familiar with your son...

Keep us posted on what you find out

[PJBJP]

Thanks for your feedback really appreciate it. Will just wait for MRI and see what that brings back. This time is harder as last time he was a child and went through the women's and children's hospital but he is an adult this time so I think I will see if the doc that operated last time will see him as an adult.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

It is very possible it is scar tissue but also look to what type of decompression he had as sometimes it can be the patch, or the type or a related condition.....so even tho the symptoms are similar does not automatically mean it is Chiari or Chiari related.

Look to his activities ...sometimes it can be what he is doing that is causing the symptoms....also look to any thing that may have occurred just prior to the restart of symptoms...stress, a fall etc... even a cold or flu....

The first thing will be a MRI to rule out any issues with the surgical site....then look to any related condition not ruled out b4 surgery was done.....

Please keep us posted on his progress and what you find out.

[Lottida]

Wow sorry to hear that!!  Yes it is true that scar tissue can cause another CSF blockage.  Did you try calling his NS??  I would think he will need a CINE MRI to check CSF flow.  I do know that headaches can return even though surgery was successful.  The surgery does not cure the Chiari!!!  Unfortunately my husband & myself both have had this surgery.  My husband is having MRIs this Saturday to check for scar tissue blockage, but his surgery was in 1997(mine was only 5 weeks ago).   Maybe have him keep a journal of headaches with activity prior to headache to see if it is a trigger.  As we get older, we have to make adjustments in our lives due to stress, anxiety ect......because they can trigger Chiari symptoms.  Good luck & hoping no surgery is needed!!!