Arnold-Chiari Malformation Support Group

Just a thought as I read your post...

chiari, hydro, all create pressure within your skull. Either the fluid (spinal) is compressed, thus pressing against tissue, or sometimes it's the actual tonsils.

IF those things are pressing against the lower brainstem, it can affect the cranial nerves within the brainstem.

Some of the functions of those nerves are functions of the autonomic system. Those systems we do without thinking about them, ie breathing, heart beat, sweating, etc.

I've read that autonomic dysfunction caused by BS compression can affect our blood pressure. You mention syringomyelia...and that can interrupt the signals sent up the spinal cord to the brain and interfere with regulating blood pressure.

So, this is just a thought in your case...not sure.

have you been checked for POTS?

here4ya

I have orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing) and sometimes my bp will be as low as 80/60. They have me on medication to raise it because it got so low I was almost passing out. This was diagnosed before I was diagnosed with Chiari.

No I've never been tested for that.
As I had never had any medical problems until I started to experience pain eventually diagnosed as relating to chiari and syringomyelia I never knew I had low blood pressure.
No-one has ever related it to a medical condition.
Orthostatic hypotension is what it is like.
My pain levels are fairly well managed at the moment (not too many bad days,) but I am under a lot of pressure at work (doing 2 jobs) and seem to be losing weight quite quickly for no apparent reason.
I think I'll question my doctor on orthostatic hypotension.

Hi, I have POTS, a form of dysautonomia, as a result of Chiari. You can increase your blood pressure by drinking Gatorade (electrolytes) and/or increasing your sodium intake. Read more about dysautonomia for some helpful tips. Hope this helps.

good info to know, dharmon! thanks!

Yes, that is interesting to know dharmon. I have two cousins that suffer with POTS and I know it can be very debilitating. I have tried to increase my sodium intake but it hasn't helped me. Do you know anything about salt tablets, I have heard of those being helpful?

I have heard of the salt tablets, but never tried them. Sometimes I can't tell if the increased sodium works or not. I did feel like the gatorade helped. I think there are too many factors that go into whether or not I feel good.