chiari malformation

[crandreww]

Hi There. I have been diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation, herniation approximately 8mm/no syrinx. I am in the process of considering surgery, and am having vision prblems, such as flashing lights, loss of peripheral vision, and almost migraine like headaches..never had them before.  I have always had headaches, but never the visual problems that I am having now. I also have a disc herniation at C5-6, with central bulge and my neurosurgeon is concerned about doing the decompression without first taking care of the disc...Any suggestions on what could be causing the visual problems?

[chiarimominpain]

A related discussion, occipital neuralsia post chiari decompression surgery was started.

[xena84]

Hello everyone recently I had a vehicle accident I was rear ended at 55mph thankfully to god I'm still here but have since been diagnosed with chiari type one has anyon,I need to know if there is anyone that has had type 0 and the symptoms

[pepper77]

A related discussion, chiari was started.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Doesn't sound like the vision changes are necessarily related to the Chiari malformation, which in many patients is an incidental finding that is clinically silent. These could certainly represent new onset of migraine headaches with aura. The aura is manifest in may patients as visual symptoms such as loss of vision and flashing lights preceding a headache. A formal neuro exam by a neurologist may be able to sort things out. ALso, an eye exam could be helpful too to make sure nothing is going on with your eyes.(the neuro should be able to do a fundus exam as part of the neurological exam, if not consider an ophthalmologist.) There are many good medications out there for migraines such as zomig and maxalt. Talk to your docs (either internist or neurologist) about your vision problems. GOo dluck