Medication relief

[Jaybird28]

I'm glad I have found this forum. I was diagnosed with chiari a month ago by my PCP. I am finally going to see my neuro surgeon on Monday. At this point I am 100% against having surgery. My primary symptoms are headaches/ pressure which are quite severe, throat pressure, ear fullness, neck pain, shoulder pain, shooting/ stabbing pains, and brain fog/ confusion. I am wondering what medications my neuro surgeon may recommend for treatment of these symptoms and what to expect.

[selmaS]

  Treatment and relief are not that quick.....as treatment for this condition tends to be surgery and b4 they will consider it many more tests should be done....and as I said getting on pain meds can cause an issue should you be scheduled for surgery so not too many Drs will want you on any for any length of time....and again most pain meds do not help.

MVA's and falls...even a bumpy car ride can trigger symptoms to flare....and since Chiari symptoms cycle you can go into a period where you may feel better for a while...

Good Luck Monday and let us know what you find out

[Jaybird28]

My diagnosis is brand new. I went to my PCP with complaints of headaches ect. They did a cat scan and there was the chiari. One week after my first visit to the doctor I had a diagnosis. My PCP hasn't done anymore testing to find out other possible conditions but is also saying that the chiari may not be the reason for my discomfort. I guess the NS who "specializes" in chiari is suppose to be giving his opinion as to if the chiari is the culprit or not. I am posetive this is the reason for my symptoms. Every complaint I have is one that is Common for this disorder. I hope to not just be examined on Monday but to actually be treated and finally get some relief. Although it only took a week for my "diagnosis" I suffered in silence for years. It wasn't until a car accident over the winter that my symptoms became unbearable and this made me seek professional help.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

A visit to the neuro sergeon is a visit to see if surgery is an option...as that is what a NS does, uses surgery to treat a condition/issue...a NL is one that will DX and treat with meds....that is not to say a NS may not RX something....but with Chiari there are not too many meds that give even limited relief.

What your NS should do is more testing to look for other related conditions. A CINE MRI to check for a CSF obstruction....other MRI's to look for a syrinx....

Being against surgery is  something I think we all may have felt or thought but sometimes surgery is the only option.....and with the right Dr is welcomed.