When does Chiari 1 start

[ElvenElixer]

Hi, I have been doing some research on Chiari 1 and can not find the answer to this anywhere. I am 48 years old and have just found out that I have a 4mm growth or whatever you call it. It showed up on a MRI that I just had. Anyway 2 years ago I was in a car accident and ended up with whiplash and all that accompanies it. I had a MRI about 2 months after the accident and there was no sign of Chiari whatsoever. Now 2 years later I have a 4mm extension if that is the correct term. So what am I wondering if it is common for this growth to start at my age or could the accident be a cause. I am very confused and don't know where to look. Is there anyone out there who may know something. Thank you very much

[ElvenElixer]

Once again thanks. I will certainly find out when this started whether I have had it for years or if it is new. Only problem is I live in Canada and here you have to get your doctor to send you to a specialist. You cannot make an appointment on your own.And all xrays are kept on computer so different drs can check them out without you having to bring them so I have no access to them. What bothers me most is I have been telling my doctors that something is not right cause I know what is normal for me but I have been met with nothing but skepticism. I am being told that although I was injured now I am all better. Wrong. Even my car insurance company dropped my claim saying I am all better. To be honest I have been treated like a criminal out to scam them. And although I am doing everything to be able to return to work financially my husband and I are ruined. They just foreclosed on our house. But thats neither here or there. So I do really appreciate any input as I feel that my husband and I am fighting this alone and basically have had to do this all on our own. So thanks again for the input and warm welcome it really helps:)

[n40066]

Hi elvin!
My chiari was not diagnosed until july 2009  but I never had a symptom until I broke my back in a plane crash in 2001.  My fractures were not that severe but I just could never heal
my health steadily deteriorated..when I did finally get my diagnosis I went back and looked at an old xray and you can see my herniation plain as day......on an xray dated 1992!  Just thought you might find that interesting!
:D elizabeth

[lu7997]

Hi I sent u a private message but my story is very similar to how mine started.  It is very confusing and know u are not alone that there are many of us with smaller herniationd and big problems and even more that started as a result of an accident of some sort

my chiari doc had explained that the accident didn't cause my chiari I was born with it. But it triggered all my problems. Sorta like being born with brittle bones and being fine but u fall off the monkey bars and end up in traction  the fall may not have caused the brittle bones but it still caused all the breaks regardless of why they menifested.  Hope that makes some sence to u

This is a very understudied condition I feel and not enough doctors know enough to give proper care. I hope u have a chiari speacialist or at least are looking for one. I can't stress enough how important that is to getting the propped treatment and care

Good luck

[ElvenElixer]

Thank you for the information I really appreciate it. Tou have given me lots to think about. I will definitely take it up with my dr

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

What u r asking about is  acquired chiari which is believed to be the result of an injury or a MVA...with some type of trauma to the head or neck.

A true chiari dr should be able to tell u if ur chiari is congenital or a result of something else.Many do believe that a congenital chiari malformation may lay dormant until triggered by a jolt,bump as u would receive in a MVA....even then it could progress slowly over time or be as quick as lightening.....we r all different.

Old school medical books describe chiari as something that "waits" until the person is in their late 30's or 40's b4 it bcomes symptomatic.....I feel that is hogwash.

It is also those old school books that feel there is a difference btwn congenital and acquired solely on the herniation ....chiari is not based on the herniation , but the malformation of the skull.What is cause for alarm with chiari outside obvious symptoms is CSF blockage and overcrowding.Once u have an educated dr in this field u will get answers.

Many Drs will not even mention chiari even if it is there, as I mentioned b4 old med school taught that it had to be 5mm or larger in herniation b4 it was considered chiari.....new research has found with just overcrowding and a CSF blockage u can have symptoms so Chiari 0 is a newer term.....it is possible that u did have chiari b4 the accident, but it did not fulfill the criteria of ur dr or radiologist.

Get copies of all MRI's u had done along with reports and take them to a chiari dr for review.

"selma"

[thieb9]

From what I understand, most people that have it are born with it. But I have also seen that it can be caused by head trauma. I didn't find out about mine until after I was in a car accident and showing symptoms.. My head went through the windshield so I had some pretty serious head trauma going on. I had never had an mri before that to compare to and also never had symptomsbefore the accident...