chiari maformation

[efaucette]

I had a chiari decompression 2 1/2 years ago. After surgery my symptoms were much improved. Last December I had seizure in which I went face first into the floor. I broke my nose, knocked out teeth, and injured my neck. My neck is not improving and, in fact, getting worse. Many of the Chiari symptoms have returned. Can a neck injury cause a repeat Chiari problem? I have had a neck x-ray, but it is fine. The doctor sees arthritis, but no sign of fracture. A fracture was a concern since I have fractured many of mine due to osteoporosis. He has told me it is just arthritis and I would have developed this problem anyway. I just can't agree. Other than when I had the Chiari, prior decompression, I have never had any neck problems. I find it odd that all these problems developed after injuring my neck. If it is arthritis would I not have noticed a problem prior to the injury? I do have an arthritic spine, among other joints. But why would it suddenly be so acute after an injury and not improve?

[czpdx]

When you had your decompression, did the doctor do a duraplasty, or just decompress the area by removing bone? There are many of us who had the more conservative decompression (without duraplasty) who ended up having to have the more complete/aggressive surgery later -- symptoms can improve for awhile with a bony decompression, but it seems like (with adults) the symptoms often return.
cz

[selmaS]

  That is good that u decided to see them as the more input u get the better chance of figuring this out...DO keep us posted.

[efaucette]

I have not. My family MD was not sure who I should see. She told me to call and ask them. I called my orthopedist first and he said he could evaluate. I think I should have called my NS. I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow. I am going to ask her to order an MRI. I also intend to now call my NS for an appointment.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I am sorry to say, but yes...a fall like u had could very well cause the tonsils to re-herniate...this can happen to someone that does not have Chiari but has a blow to the head as a result of a fall...

Having symptoms return is not uncommon with a fall like this. A xray will not show if the tonsils are herniated again, u will need a MRI....there could be a few other things going on as well....it may be a disk, but that would have shown in the xray...so I am thinking scar tissue or a syrinx....whip lash...or again the tonsils re-herniated.

Many with Chiari are prone to both auto immune and connective tissue disorders....so RA is not a surprise DX....but u need to make sure that is what it is.

I also know a few Chiarians that developed Epilepsy so the seizure is something that has also occurred post op too.

Have u been back to ur NS for an eval?