Hindbrain Hernia?

[Foxy]

Hello, Please forgive the length of this question.
Is it possible to develop a 2nd Hindbrain hernia or a syrinx cavity following a successful decompesssion?
I have been fine since 1986 following the above, but then about a year ago I started having increased headaches, and a noticeable increase of pressure in my head(I couldn't blow up a balloon or dive underwater- without intense pain.The headache in the back to the top of my head came to stay in january, along with pins and needles in my hands and feet, a desensitivity to sharp in my middle torso, a desensitivity to sharp and heat in my hands and feet, a mild weakening to my right side and a slightly crooked walk, nausea and a very hot sticky headache at times.I have also started to snore! and perspire more- at night.
My MRI scans of head, neck and thoracic spine were " virtually normal" whatever that means and the lumbar puncture was normal readings with a pressure of 17cm.
Have they missed something? do you have any clues that I could take to my neuro team.
I am 31 year old lady with a 7 year old son - also diagnosed with a borderline hernia that is being watched.
Thank you.

[Pinky8237]

A related discussion, hindbrain hernia was started.

[doddies]

dear foxy,  yes it is possible to get a second hernia, but only if you have hydrocephalus and you have a shunt that does not work or is blocked it forces the hernia to return.

[Foxy]

Jan
Thank you very much I will try them. I am getting desperate now!
Tanya

[jan]

Foxy,
The dr. won't respond to the comment (normally).  Maybe the people at this forum can help you a bit:

http://216.149.163.247/cgi-bin/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=NDRF+General+Discussion&number=1&DaysPrune=20&LastLogin=

Hope that helps.

[Foxy]

Thank you for your answer.
I am an English lady and the term hind brain hernia is widely used here for a chiari malformation as you correctly assumed. It was coined by the late Mr Bernard Williams who was my original surgeon. The neurological examination showed that I have a desensitivity throughout my middle torso, hands and feet. My reflexes in ankles, knees, wrists and elbows are brisk,I have a marked weakness down the right side including both arm and leg.
The headache is at the back of my neck moving to the top of my head and is there all the time, it's there when I go to sleep and it's there when I wake up. the drugs I take have calmed it slightly.
The neuro surgeon that I saw and did the MRI scans said that it was impossible for a syrinx cavity to develop following a successful decompression-  but he did the scans anyway because of my neurological exam Is this so? I read somewhere that if a syrinx cavity has developed high enough up it can cause snoring and difficulty in swallowing. The MRI scan showed that I was "a little flat for perfection" again I am not sure what this means our English doctors whilst being excellent are not very good in the bedside manner department, they are difficult to question.
Thank you for your help.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. Not quite sure what you mean by "hindbrain hernia". You may be referring to an Arnold Chiari Malformation that is characterized by downward displacement of the brainstem and cerebellum in association with a syrinx, but again I would need more information. The normal MRI is a bit reassuring that there isn;t anything serious going on, but given your history of a prior surgery it may be helpful to get a second opinion regarding any recurrence of the problem. Another possibility is that you may be developing atypical migraines or tension headaches. A formal neurological exam would be helpful. Finally, talk to your PCP about getting some routine labs such as blood count and electrolyes done just to make sure everything is ok as you mention snoring (sleep apnea?) and perspiration. Good luck.