Diagnosed with Chiari type 1 dr recommends blood patch?

[LCAHB]

Hello all. I was recently diagnosed with type 1 chiari. I have a 9mm herniation with pretty severe symptoms. The mri showed no evidence of a leak just a blockage. So my neurologist suggested a blood patch to start before surgery. But my issue is they did a full spine MRI with contrast and there was no evidence of a leak anywhere so why is my neurologist suggesting this? I plan to go see a neurosurgeon at UCLA that specializes in this but I was just curious if any one else has experienced this?

And by severe symptoms I mean severe headaches that lead to nausea and vommiting, my eyes fully black out, I get throat fullness which makes it hard to swallow. And a few other things here and there.

I'm new to this so any info would be much appreciated!

[lynnbrook177]

Im getting that feeling now, as I type. I feel such a strong pressure on the roof of my mouth. It feels like it is blocking up my airways. It usually is worse at night as the weight of the herniation really bother me by the evening. This is a very scary feeling!

[selmaS]

Hi..you are right that some of your throat issues could be Chiari related but  Hashimoto's is Chiari related too....so regardless if it si the thyroid issue or Chiari itself both can be attributed to Chiari.

Having Chiari makes us prone to auto immune and connective tissue disorders....so Hashimoto's is an auto immune condition and it is very hard to determine which condition is causing which of out issues.

I too have Hashimoto's and had swallowing issues....I had decompression surgery....and my swallowing issues have ended....I still have Hashi's tho.

[lynnbrook177]

Just curious about your throat symptoms. I had what I think was a bad chiari flare and my ears were so plugged up that it affected my throat. It felt like it was closing up and I felt like I wasn't getting any air in. The air wasn't getting to my lungs as easily. I was taking very deep breaths in order to breath. Is this what you have experienced? Had you had any detailed explanation as to what is happening when this occurs? I'm seeing an ENT tomorrow. I appreciate any info you share. Thanks!

[LCAHB]

Hello! Sorry about your symptoms! Mins is more of a choking feeling. I also have Hashimotos Thyroiditis (an autoimmune thyroid disorder) so I always thought my throat issues were due to that but now I'm realizing its related to the CM. it occurs mainly when j eat or drink I have a really hard time swallowing and feel like everyone gets stuck in my throat. I also do get anxiety often which I've heard can be related but I don't so much have an issue getting air to my lungs. Hope this helps you any!!

[selmaS]

@LCAHB- Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I am just as perplexed at a blood patch if a leak was not detected....?? sometimes Drs that are not well informed or experienced with Chiari and ALL related conditions make some odd assessments due to the lack of knowledge in this area. This is why we stress getting to a true Chiari specialist, researching ALL Drs....and making sure they are ruling out ALL related conditions and possibilities.

[LCAHB]

That was my thought. I asked my dr why a blood patch if there was no leak found.