here's an odd one

[sheila53213]

Has anyone ever had this feeling before.....when I get up suddenly, everything seems to turn black around me in my vision and then I get this rush of pressure up my spine into my head afterwards. I have to sit back down and get my bearings together. It only lasts a few minutes but when it happens multiple times a day, it has me question whether or not it is Chiari related or not.
I try and tell my husband about this and he thinks I'm just crazy. It's been happening more and more and is really taking a toll on me when it comes time to take care of my kids.
Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas as to why this may happen?

[selmaS]

Good luck Sheila....

Please post an update after the visit.

"selma"

[sheila53213]

Thank you all so much for the help on this one....I am going to see my NL today to talk over this one and see what she says about my headaches still getting worst and since they decreased all my meds if maybe that is a factor in my headaches getting bad again.

I'm going to try all of your suggestions to see if I can avoid getting these mini black tunnel vision type pressure rushing to my head spells. I'm hoping something will help....It's defitely scary for my co-workers when they see me walking all crazy or i just suddenly double over to catch myself or I walk into walls like it's second nature.

Sooner or later, I'll get fixed. Ok I'll never be fixed but at least modified to function somewhat normal.

[SaratogaNurse]

This may have something to do with Chiari, but it might also be as simple as Orthostatic blood pressure.   When you stand up, your blood pressure naturally dips down a little bit.  Some people have a problem where they dip down more then a little.   If you have this problem, and your blood pressure tends to already run on the low side, it can create problems for you.  

A simple way to find out is to have a blood pressure check with your doctor (or a friend who has a cuff).

Lay down and relax for 10 minutes with the blood pressure cuff on your arm.  Check the pressure laying down.   Sit up and check it again.   Stand up and check it again.

B/P fluctuates normally so a little bit different each time is OK,  but if you have
1) 104/62 (feeling OK)
2) 106/58 (feeling OK)
3) 70/44 (patient fainted)  Time to call the doctor.

There's your problem.  LOL

If you try this and your B/P stays steady, you've ruled out one "could be".   Good luck.

[shanmomof3]

I have this happen too! So you're not the only one! My bp runs on the low end just like yours and if its not from Chiari I don't know what else it is! The only thing that I have noticed is when I get up if I lean forward it will happen EVERY time. If I focus on an object and keep my back straight as I get up it usually doesn't happen. Just what works for me... hope it helps
--Shannon

[chadry]

I have had that feeling before many times. I do not Chiari. Sometimes if you are taking medication it can be a side effect from that. Like someone has already stated the best thing to do besides trying to figure out what it is is to slowly change your position. It seems to me when I get it is when I have been sitting. It is like the blood stays in your lower extremities and takes it s good all time getting to your head. Sometimes I just stand real still and take a few bigger breaths and sometimes that helps. I have had to sit back down again.
My BP is high so I am on medication for that.
Also when I am sitting i tend to move my legs around more frequently so that the blood moves around better. I do some stetching with them.
If you find out what is causing this I would love to hear what it is. I have been getting this for years. But then again I have been on BP medication for a long time too.
Chadry

[lu7997]

I would make sure you tell your NL/NS about this it is possibly related although I don't know enough to say one way or another.  I get dizzy feelings and everything is like I just stepped of an amusement park ride (tea cup things)  and my ears start ringing.  I have never had black outs in my vision though just fuzzy and spinny.   Although I have half my docs telling me I dont have Chiari so what I am experiencing may be related to what ever my problem is that the other docs don't know yet.

anyways sorry for the tangent.


low BP can cause problems too.  Try changing positions slowly and carefully.  I know it is hard when you have kids and need to get to them fast but if you black out that would slow it down even more.

also make sure you get plenty to drink. and as much rest as you can.  

another thing is your BS could be low which could cause that also not sure if you have ever checked that.  you dont have to be a diabetic to have low BS try drinking some OJ when it happens and see if it helps.

[Shane99]

Dizziness is a common symptom of Chiari.

[selmaS]

Well I am not well versed on POTS, but I am aware that a low BP can cause u to pass out...so it could still be related.I always have a low BP as well.....

DId u get a chance to read info on POTS?

"selma"

[sheila53213]

Hi Selma,
My BP actually tends to run on the low end....like 100/60....the highest it goes is like 115/70....even during my two pregnancies it was on the low end.

Sheila

[selmaS]

Hi Sheila,

Do u know if ur BP tends to be high?...there r related conditions like POTS...which can affect u when standing from a sitting position.

There is a Health Page on it and I am sure it will explain the condition much better than I can.Please take a look to see if this may fit u.

If u need help navigating please let me know...icons for HP is on the top right of this page.

"selma"