What kind of medications can you take for chiari?

[kricklekrin]

I'm currently not on any medications other than natural supplements.  I was on Keppra, but it changed my personality drastically.  

Has anyone decided to take medications instead of surgery?  What I'm trying to say is to control the symptoms rather than opt for such a drastic measure such as surgery.  

I'm one of those people who do not like to take medications because of the side effects and what the meds may do to my health down the road.  

What kind of medications are available to treat chiari?  Is it better to treat symptoms, or have the surgery and hope this eliminates the symptoms?  

When do you know it's time to have surgery verses controlling symptoms with medicatons?

I hope I'm making sense...

[selmaS]

  Hi,,,,this is an older thread and the member u r addressing is no longer an active member, u can try to PM (private message) her as it will generate an email informing her someone was trying to make contact.

[desertstorm2009]

I just wanted to say I think your questions are excellent! I find myself asking the same ones every day.... I have reactions to meds too and agree that it's not the answer. I can tell you that PT helped a bit and I am considering a nerve block. Motrin 800 takes the edge off SOMETIMES along with laying down. Ultimately however, I know I need the surgery to correct the problem. I'm working on getting there mentally and I know you are too. Funny how we know what we need deep down. Good luck to you, I hope you feel better soon. I hope and pray we ALL feel much better soon :-) Lisa

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

This is an older thread so Jenny may not be as active as when this was posted so u may want to send her a PM (private message) this will generate a e-mail that someone is trying to make contact.

As for the meds, I was on TOPAMAX and it does help reduce pressure and help with HA's....not knowing what ur issues are or what type of pressure u have ....u may want to create a new thread and give some details and mayb one of our members can offer some insight for u,.

[michael_picc]

Great reply Jen, have you taken any of these yourself & seen improvement with chiari pressure?

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

The member u r replying to may no longer be an active member on this forum, since this is an older thread u may want to try and contact them via a PM(private message) which will generate a e-mail that someone is trying to make contact or post a new thread so current members will be more likely to respond.

  There are many here waiting on surgery confirmation and those of us that have had surgery.....u r not alone and we will help u as best we can.

[susan148]

Hi was just Dx w/ Chiari and syringomylia, mine is also 8 mm long but I have mild symtoms.  Would love to talk w/ you about how u r doing since your last post in 2010, as I am also a mom of 3 busy kids and this is affecting our entire family.  Not sure what to do from here.
Thank you, Susan 43 old mom of 3, married 17 years