Does Chiari correlate with cyanotic breath holding spells?

[Momlife91]

I'm just curious if there may be a correlation with cyanotic breath holding spells and chiari. My son(3 1/2 yr old) has been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and I've been trying to learn as much as I can about this condition. I saw seizures and breathing issues can be a side effect of it. And I know it has a much higher sibling rate than most other conditions. But my daughter(11 months old) now has had 2 episodes they think are cyanotic breath holding spells. I'm just wondering if Chiari might be something to talk to Neuro about her, or am I just freaking out?

Both times in the ER for my daughter they said they heard palpitations w/ her heart, but not at the follow-ups w/ the peds. EKG came back good. waiting on results of EEG and blood work.

(posted this in parenting too, but thought I may get some sort of answers here)

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Sorry I missed your post.....first make sure your Dr is aware that sleep apnea is a troubling symptom of many with Chiari and in children it is very important to rule out....so have both checked.....there is a way to have them tested in home instead of a facility.....ask your Dr to check Nova SOM.....

Since Chiari affects impulses to the brain on all autonomic reflexes....breathing being only one I would  not freak out, but definitely make sure they rule out breathing issues  for both.

[Momlife91]

Thank you. That is all good advise. We have an apt coming up this week that I have 2 million questions for the Neurosurgeon.

[selmaS]

Good Luck and keep us posted  on how the visit goes.