Just diagnosed

[Amayamarie]

I was just diagnosed Monday 6/15/15. All I know right now from my MRI results is that mine is 11 mm. I've been having awful headaches especially when I'm bending over picking clothes toys etc... I'm a mother of 4 so I stay busy the headaches are awful best way to describe it is a brain freeze on top of a migraine. I have slight neck stiffness and sometimes the tip of my toes are tingly. I'm going to be scheduled to see a neurosurgeon but I'm so lost and just need more info. This mommy can't afford to be sick I have too many ppl depending on me

[Amayamarie]

That's very reassuring. I've been having these symptoms for a while now the headaches I have to say are the worst.

[selmaS]

  No, not everyone with Chiari needs surgery....as it is not a cure or a fix, it is done to create more room to allow CSF to flow properly and slow progression of a syrinx if one is present and prevent one from forming if one is not.

Surgery is scary, but it can be helpful especially if the symptoms worsen and  are really affecting your quality of life. Keeping in mind, Chiari is most often found to be congenital so we all have had it since birth and may not recognize symptoms to be symptoms since we have always felt that way....and it can take time to realize which symptoms you do have.

My surgery was 6 yrs ago this May and I do not have any regrets.

[Amayamarie]

Thank u for Ur reply I'm glad I'm not alone in this. I'm very frightened to have surgery being that this would be the first time. Is surgery absolutely necessary?

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

There is more testing to be done, once you know you have Chiari you will need to know how it is affecting your overall health in addition to those symptoms you have.

Just seeing a NS is not always the best next step...you will want to educate yourself on Chiari and ALL related conditions as well as on true Chiari specialists....you want someone well informed and experienced with Chiari and ALL related conditions....

We will help you the best we can and know you are not alone.