Chiari I Malformation HELP

[MIA1280]

Hi  I am 26 year old female- I was diagnosed with Chiari I in 2001 - I was told that it was not bad enough to operate but to regulate it every 6 months to a year - Recently I had an MRI - they said there was "some kinking in the c-spine" and that it did seem to get a little bit bigger - I get pins and needles in the tips of my fingers and toes sometimes - I feel like there is a lump in my throat at times like I can't swallow - My memory seems to be getting worse each day - my headaches are tight trobbing in the back of my head sometimes in the front by my eyes and temples. I get dizzy often when getting off of elevators - drving in cars - etc. I recently saw two doctors who told me it wasnt' bad enough to operate again - not to worry about it but not to "bump my head" a few days later  I saw a neurosurgeon who said she reccomends i get the surgery. I am at a loss. She told me there are possible complications that follow - I'm not sure if my symptoms are "bad enough" to have the surgery - I dont have burning in my arms and legs and the headaches aren't that bad all the time - sometimes they can be dibillitating - other times they seems just like a regular headache. I'm not sure what I should do at this point. Is this something that gets worse over time?

[patsy10]

The surgery for chiari is quite involved.  I would get more than one opinion.  I have chiari 1 and have all sorts of symptoms.  The doctors say the chiari isn't causing the symptoms.

[toolmaker]

My 18 yo daugter was diagnosed with this just last week.Me and my wife are overwhelmed right now and the only advice I can offer you at this time is join the yahoo group.Good luck and God bless