Will all my kids have Chiari?

[Niki2004]

I was diagnosed with Chiari when I was 16, my son who is 5 had been complaining of headaches for the past year. Considering my backround I pushed for a CAT scan. He to was diagnosed with Chiari. I blame myself for this, I mean he got it from me. I try not to kick myself in the butt about it but I think about what he will have to go threw with all the symptoms. I just thank god they found it so that no one will think he is crazy like they did to me.

I read somewere that Chiari is linked to improper prenatal care, is this true?

What is the likelyhood of all my future children having Chiari? I wouldn't want to bring another baby into this world knowing they might have to go threw what I did.

Thanks so much, any advice would be greatly appreciated...

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Thanks for sharing ur chiari info, this  is an older thread and the person u posted to may not be an active member.,so I am responding to ur post.

To date I am the only one in my immediate family with the Dx, but I have a cousin with spina bifida....so I really feel there is a connection, as I also have tethered cord.

I hope u choose to continue to share ur chiari journey with us by starting or adding to a newer thread : )

We r always happy to welcome new members, but not happy for the reason that brings them.

[Karebear33]

Both me and my sister have Chiari but neither of our parents (or other siblings) have it or, as far as we know, other relatives. I just throw that out there because while I do question a genetic link, it does seem to be very random to some extent as well. I plan to still have children of my own, the fear of them having ACM will be there, but at least I know what to do if they do and it is so random that I am willing to take that chance. Best of luck to you.

[Niki2004]

Thank you Tina, I hope everything goes well with the MRI's.... My sonhad one monday and got a definite diagnosis of chiari with syrnix... Now he has to see a neuro surgeon, im a bit worried, hopefuly surgery isn't needed....

NIKI

[dpulum]

Niki,

Chiari runs in my family, so I asked multiple neurosurgeons about it being hereditary when I was diagnosed last year.  In my family my Mom, sister, nephew and myself have it.  Dr. Heffez told me that it's much more common in females and in petite people because it's tied to the size and shape of our skulls.  None of the docs said that it had anything to do with prenatal care.  I, like you, worry about my kids.  My 6 year old son is having a MRI at the end of the month because he has some pretty severe motion sickness issues, which was a symptom that my Mom, nephew and I all had too.  My oldest daughter has frequent headaches that don't appear to have a cause, so I'm sure they'll eventually do a MRI on her too.

I understand you feeling guilty about passing it along, the possibility really makes me sad too, but I am at least hopeful because in my family, the surgery has helped a lot and none of us are significantly impaired from it at this point.

Hugs to you,

Tina

[Niki2004]

Thank you Carolyn, I just worry I will pass it on to another child, there has to be some sort of genetic link! Its just odd! Im hoping the chances of a next child having Chiari will be slim. Thanks for the support. :]

Niki

[*Stormy*]

Hello and welcome to the forum

Please don't blame yourself!! There is really not enough studies out there to say what type of link there is. I have 3 boys too and I watch and wonder but if they do have it, it is not something I could prevent. I have heard that it can have something to do with how your skull forms in the womb but I have never heard of that happening from a definciency or bad prenatal care. Being that it is a rare condition, it is hard to believe that something is not connected somehow.

As for having another child...I don't think the odds are that high. A lot of people with different conditions take that chance but I can honestly say that if I knew I had Chiari b4 I had kids, I still would have done it b/c to just have my boys even with Chiari is worth it to me. Looking on the bright spot, you know the signs and symptoms so you can spot any indicators well in advance.

As mothers we tend to take all the guilt on our shoulders but please don't put that on yourself. Instead just be your son's biggest support b/c you know what it is like to go through this.
I pray that your son will find some relief.
Carolyn

[Niki2004]

Thanks for the help and good wishes guys, im still trying to look up more info on the genetic link. There just isn't enough studies to give an exact answer. I just find it odly coincidental that me and him BOTH have it. Im sure you know were I am coming from on that one.

It is hard Barb, but all we can do is stay strong for them. You are absolutley right.... One day at a time...

Niki

[mikeysmom1995]

hi there,
Please don't blame yourself, this could have happened even if you did not have Chiari.
I have one son with spina bifida and tethered cord, and one son with chiari, and I took prenatal vitamins long before we planned on having children, so some will say it is due to a folic acid deficiency, but I don't believe I was lacking in folic acid at the time.
As for your future children, I don't know the answer to that, and I am not sure what kind of physician would be able to give you the answer. Maybe a genetic counselor? not sure, just putting it out there. Maybe another member  will know.
He is young, and that is definitely on his side as is having a mom like you to look out for him.
I truely believe God gave us our 2 precious boys because He knew that we could take care of them. Yes, it is hard sometimes, but I just remind myself how much joy they bring to our lives, and I would not trade a day.
So don't get mad at yourself, just love him, and know that he is very lucky to have you for a mommy to fight for him, and care for him.
Many prayers for your little one and your family.
Barb :)

[dkdean]

Ahhh...not sure on the genetic link, but just wanted to send hugs your way!  We do the best we absoutely can for our children...there are so many things out there and we do the best we can.  I have 2 young children (5 and 2) and empathize with you.  Sending peaceful vibes your way and I hope that your son is able to get the help he needs to be in less pain.