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My husband had an MRI a few weeks ago and the nurse told him that parts of his brain is coming out of the back of his skull because his brain was "too big." A military nurse was the person to deliver this delicate news so that at least explains the tact. We will not be able to see a neurologist until at least at the end of this month and we are both understandably worried. The nurse never went into any detail whatsoever about his possible condition so me just "googling" what she told him led me here.
He's had a few of what doctors believe to be cluster headaches the last few years but very few and far between. His symptoms that finally led the MRI a few weeks ago is what finally made the military doctors take notice. He was at PT or working out in the morning as he usually does when he was suddenly struck with debilitating head pain. He said it felt like a muscle spasm was squeezing from his trapezoid up through his neck across his entire skull all the way to his temples. He also said that the pressure felt like it was trying to force his right eyeball through his skull. Now my husband is not one to normally complain about well, any pain. He is a bomb tech for the Air Force and has been involved with several IED blasts. He has also had reconstructive surgery performed on both feet in order to construct an arch and repair paper thin ligaments. That's how I know that this pain is real, well that and now the MRI proof. And now he is unable to raise his heart rate or blood pressure or even that small spike will trigger another debilitating "headache." I need help. Please. We don't know what we might be facing. Thank you.
He's had a few of what doctors believe to be cluster headaches the last few years but very few and far between. His symptoms that finally led the MRI a few weeks ago is what finally made the military doctors take notice. He was at PT or working out in the morning as he usually does when he was suddenly struck with debilitating head pain. He said it felt like a muscle spasm was squeezing from his trapezoid up through his neck across his entire skull all the way to his temples. He also said that the pressure felt like it was trying to force his right eyeball through his skull. Now my husband is not one to normally complain about well, any pain. He is a bomb tech for the Air Force and has been involved with several IED blasts. He has also had reconstructive surgery performed on both feet in order to construct an arch and repair paper thin ligaments. That's how I know that this pain is real, well that and now the MRI proof. And now he is unable to raise his heart rate or blood pressure or even that small spike will trigger another debilitating "headache." I need help. Please. We don't know what we might be facing. Thank you.
Consider switching your military insurance to include seeing an outside specialist. This is what my daughter did when they were in the service. She was then able to see Dr Oro and have the surgery. She has been well since. You may want to contact him. Good luck and God Bless. Lisa :-)
Hello Ms Flyboy form a Jarhead,
I know that military doctors do not have very good bed side manners. Some of what she said is true. Explaining it in common terms you can say. That is how I first thought of it to be able to relate to it. You can have the doctor show you on the MRI that was done so you get a better understanding. Make sure you tell the military doctor you want a Chairi Specialist for the referral. What Selma is saying about the way symptoms can flare at anytime is true this out of the blue. He may think something isn't a symptom but it probally is. Remember one thing if you don't know it ask, it is the only way you find out. I do understand with the eyball it does feel like that and can and will bring you to your knees.request a copy of all your medical records and MRI's that you have done, do you always have a copy. Semper Fi and if you need anythng let me know.
I know that military doctors do not have very good bed side manners. Some of what she said is true. Explaining it in common terms you can say. That is how I first thought of it to be able to relate to it. You can have the doctor show you on the MRI that was done so you get a better understanding. Make sure you tell the military doctor you want a Chairi Specialist for the referral. What Selma is saying about the way symptoms can flare at anytime is true this out of the blue. He may think something isn't a symptom but it probally is. Remember one thing if you don't know it ask, it is the only way you find out. I do understand with the eyball it does feel like that and can and will bring you to your knees.request a copy of all your medical records and MRI's that you have done, do you always have a copy. Semper Fi and if you need anythng let me know.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.
First I must say Thank you to ur DH for his service to our Country, I truly appreciate and respect all those in service. And Thank u to u as well for not only the sacrifice u make as a spouse to a service person but for taking time to be an advocate for him...not all with this condition get the support we need.
Ur DH will need more testing and a true Chiari specialist...I know not a easy thing to find among Military Drs....but I know there are a few willing to research and consult with the specialists that are out there.
Those with Chiari will get symptoms that flare with strain or even minimal exercise or activity.....
The bomb blasts ur DH was near could have triggered his symptoms to flare so he took more notice of them....but those with Chiari seem to have a stronger or higher pain threshold...as we have pain all the time, just that we consider much of it "normal" and think nothing of it until a major flare .
Chiari symptoms do cycle too, so it is easy to consider symptom the result of other issues, like the flu, or over doing it...etc....
More testing is needed at this point to see if ur DH has a CSF obstruction, or related conditions like syringomyelia, tethered cord, ICP, POTS, sleep apnea, ehlers-danlos....
Keep asking questions and we will try to fill u in.
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