chiari synptoms?

[Baba9]

I had chiari surgery in Jan and Feb of "09. It has been nearly one and half years since my surgery. Lately, I am experiencing the same symptons I had before my surgery.  When I had the surgery, I had severe complications - a leak, menengitis, and a staph infection. I was in intensive care for two weeks.  After I finally recovered, I was given a clean bill of health by the surgeon. SInce that time, I only had one MRI of my brain done, and one of the neck. I still had some symptons, but they only recently have gotten worse.  I saw my primary care physician and he has ordered an MRI of the brain and neck. I  am having trouble seeing my neurologist. My appt. keeps getting moved, and he was trying to assess what is going on. Since I had an episode of head pounding, double vision,  and dizziness, I decided to see my physician. I am a teacher, and don't know if I will be able to go back to teaching by the end of August. Has anyone had the same experience, of having surgery but not feeling any better?
Thanks

[siramdasu]

Hi, I had decompression for chiari type 1 about 16 months ago.Since surgery I have been experiencing severe tightness at at the incision site and occipital headches when the stiffness gets severe. I tried physical therapy,massage, moist heat , nothing seems to be helping. My neurosurgeon says I may have to live with these symptoms and there is nothing more he can do.The mri of brain was normal after surgery. Can someone explain why I am experincing these symptoms and if  there is any treatment to alleviate my symptoms. Thanks

[selmaS]

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Chiari-Malformation/show/257?camp=msc

Members in the chiari forum can better answer ur question...we have had many that felt a lot better, some felt worse, and some no difference...we all r going to have a diff experience. Many times it can be a result of how much damage we had prior to surgery.....
And it is highly possible that u could be experiencing issues of a chiari related condition.....or scar tissue could have formed to cause an issue too!!

I see u did join the chiari forum here on MedHelp, and I hope neone else with chiari in this forum pops on over too : )

"selma"

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. These symptoms are usual after surgery since chiari surgery not always completely successful. In Chiari malformations, the pressure in brain increases which manifests itself as dizziness, diplopia (blurring of vision), migraine like headaches, muscle weakness, facial pain, hearing problems, and extreme fatigue. Sometimes this malformation causes dizziness while working with hands above the shoulder level. Treatment of Chiari malformation depends on the form, severity and associated symptoms. No treatment is required in asymptomatic cases other than regular monitoring. Symptomatic patients may require surgery (posterior fossa decompression surgery). The requirement and pros and cons of surgery in your case should be discussed with your doctor as he knows the severity of problem. Hope this helps.