Is there a greater chance of child having chiari if parent has it?

[lasel22]

My daughter has been complaining of increasing headaches lately and they are exertional. They happen after gym class, softball practice, laughing with her friends, etc. Does anyone know if a parent has chiari if their child is more likely to have it as well.  She is also very stressed and that may be the reason for the headaches too, it just worries me that they are linked to exercise. She has also had near fainting episodes with tingling,  extreme noise sensitivity a few years ago, and some urinary incontinence issues which did improve with kegels. Her leg muscles are tight, she complains of aches and pain in her legs and feet too, although she has flat feet. She is 10 years old.

She is also exhibiting some OCD like behavior which points to stress. She watched me deteriorate for a year with chiari symptoms and no doctors knew what was wrong with me until I finally got to a specialist. Even though I am getting better I am not 100% and I think that bothers her. Seeing me so sick scared her and I can't help but feel responsible for her anxiety.

I'm taking her to the doctor and I'm wondering if I should ask for a MRI.  She's worried she might have chiari but I doubt her doctor would give the order "just to make her feel better."

The stresses of chiari never seem to end. Then on top of all this my ENT doctor found a single suspicious nodule on my thyroid that needs a biopsy. I'm more worried about my daughter's reaction to me possibly needing surgery than the surgery or possibility of cancer itself.

[selmaS]

  Good luck to her.....do let us know what you find out.

[lasel22]

Thanks everyone for your response, I appreciate it.   Her primary doctor suggested seeing a pediatric neurologist, so that's where we will be taking her next week.

[selmaS]

  The percentage of a parent and child having Chiari is still being studied BUT too many with Chiari also have a child with it as well....it is not clear just how the genetics are involved as not all with Chiari seem to pass it on...

Spina Bifida is a related condition....I have a cousin with it....I also have sisters that have endometriosis and Fibro...which I am willing to bet is EDS.

None of my 3 sisters have the symptoms I have....but one sister has a daughter that has now been DX'd with POTS and EDS....again related to Chiari....time will tell as will the clinical studies being done on this.

Anxiety can also be a Chiari symptom....do not blame your condition and how she handles it....but have her checked to help you both relax.

[linnielou232]

I also want to say how sorry I am that your going through all of this and the worry of your daughter doesn't make it easy.  I have the same sisuation with my daughter with the headache etc. she is 37 yrs old around the time I started getting symptoms of Chairi and it scares me.  I do recommend that you ask for an MRI for your daughter and tell them exactly what you want them to look for.  I know here in Mi they have to give you an MRI as long as you request one.  It's better to find the answers now than to let her go on and not know what is happening.  I wish you the best and I hope your days will get stronger and brighter.
Love,
Linda

[KerriC1]

Hi lasel. First I want to say I'm sorry you're going through so much right now. The thought of biopsies are frightening, but like you, I'm more concerned with my children than myself. Try to stay as relaxed as possible during this time, easier said than done I know.

I do think there is a genetic connection with chiari, and I can see your worry with passing it along. My daughter who is pregnant with her second child has suffered with migraines and has scoliosis. She had an MRI done a few years ago and of course no notes of chiari were made but I looked at her images and it looks familiar.... Also, I have EDS and I know both my daughters have it too. That is genetic for sure. The flat feet could indicate that or tethered cord I believe. You know what's best for your child and if you suspect something it would be worth checking into. I wish you the best of luck!