Newly diagnosed

[farmersgirl25]

Hello everyone,

I was recently diagnosed with Chairi. The Dr said that I have mild chairi on the left side. I am not sure what the herniation is. I was wondering if it was common to have symptoms with just mild chairi? My symptoms include headaches, neck and shoulder pain, tingling in my face, mainly the back of my head on the left side and my nose, It also feels as if I am wearing a pony tail to tight on the back of my head. I meet with a nr in 3 weeks and was wondering if I would be best of trying to find one that is skilled in this condition. I live near the Twin Cities.

Thanks for any future help.

[linnielou232]

I'm sorry to hear that you have Chair, but you have found a wonderful site and we are here to support you.  I have to say I heard the word mild so many times by different Dr.'s so going to a true chairian specialist is the best way to go.  I don't think there is a word on here that we consider "Mild".  It's how you feel.  Some said mine was mild too and I wanted to say. "Jump in my head for a day and see what mild feel's like.".  Only you know how you feel and you have to be the avocate of explaining your sypmtoms.  When I found out I had chairi 1st I started a journal documenting how I was feeling.  List of questions to ask when going to appts. and made sure I had all my disc with MRI, ct scans etc on them so it will make your journey so much shorter to finding the right answers.  This forum helped me find direction, picked me up when I didn't think I had no where else to turn.  I just wanted to let you know we are here for you and your not alone in this.  Best wishes sent to you.
Linda :)

[Viva001]

I agree too; you need a Chiari specialist.  What is "mild"?  That seems to be what non-specialists say, certainly not what patients say!  
Surgery will be considered based upon examination, what the patient says, and radiographic  evidence.

[KKerney]

I agree find a specialist.

[nsalem656]

Find someone who specializes in Chiari. Most doctors think small herniation is mild but it usually are the ones that have the most symptoms.