depressed

[littleone3611]

Last October I was diagnosed with having Chiari Malformation with syrinx after three yrs of having pain in my right leg that just kept on getting worse rather than better. I underwent surgery back in January and just got the ok by my Dr. to go back to work. I still have balance and corodination problems as well as having pain in my left shoulder and upper back and lately have been sad and crying for no reason. Is depression a symtom of chiari and should I talk to my neurosurgeon about it?

[selmaS]

I know what u mean, but it is unlikely u will feel like u  use to, chiari is life altering and we may always feel a little diff as a result...but, we strive to feel better : )

I too have spinal stinosis and having a PCP that u can relate to is key, just as having a chiari dr that u r comfortable with is very important.

  "selma"

[littleone3611]

Thank you for your help. These last three yrs have been a battle for me. I am happy that I finally found out that all the symptoms I have had is because of chiari malformation. I also found out that I had cervical stenosis. I am currently looking for a new primary care doctor because the one that I have now I don't feel comfortable talking to. I just get the feeling that he thinks I am just looking for attention and drugs but I am seeing my neurosurgeon soon so I will talk to him about how I am feeling. I just want to feel like my old self again!

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

With chiari comes the compression of the brain stem, which will affect balance and emotions...so yes, depression can be an associated symptom of chiari.

U need to talk to ur DR about ALL symptoms u experience.

   "selma"