Arnold-Chiari Malformation Support Group
Arnold-Chiari malformation, sometimes referred to as 'Chiari malformation' or ACM, is a congenital anomaly of the brain. Arnold-Chiari Malformation II occurs in almost all children born with both spina bifida and hydrocephalus, but ACM I is typically seen in children and adults without spina bifida.
Hello all..........I am new to this group. I am not new to DS though. I would not have made it through my infertility and pregnancy without the wonderful ladies in the infertility and pregnancy groups.
I was told in 2006 that I have chiari malformation but that it was not of significance according to my MRI report. On my MRI scans, it show a measurement of 3.48. I went to see a NS in 2006 for a herniated disc, which is why I had the MRI that showed the CM. At that time I was asymptomatic except for symptoms caused by my herniated disc. The NS did not act concerned about the CM and said that some people live their whole life without even knowing they have it. So, I just kind of forgot about it and went on with life. I've had pain since 2006 but it always appeared to me that it was when my disc was out of place. I used traction, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs on the days I hurt the worst.
I had a son in August 2008 and he was born via emergency c-section at 30 weeks because I developed HELLP. HELLP causes your liver to swell and your platelets drop. It also causes HBP and is said by doctors to be related to preeclampsia. The anesthesiologist had to stick me 3-4 times to get my spinal started and I was bruised for several weeks afterward. I've been telling my family and friends that something went wrong with my spinal because my lower back hurts all the time since then. Within the past year I have also been experiencing numbness/tingling, insomnia and fatigue along with a long list of symptoms. It seems like my symptoms have gradually gotten worse and have reached a point that I am in constant pain and go numb 15-20 times a day. Could this be because of the spinal?
I googled "numb fingertips" the other day and Chiari pulled up. I remembered that it showed on my MRI in 2006 and started to read up on it. I have so many symptoms that are related to Chiari.
So, I am going to see a NS next week but I am wondering if anyone knows a good one in my area. I live in Louisville, KY. Also, any recommendations on where I can find good info on the condition? I want to be as informed as possible before seeing the doc.
Thanks!!!
I was told in 2006 that I have chiari malformation but that it was not of significance according to my MRI report. On my MRI scans, it show a measurement of 3.48. I went to see a NS in 2006 for a herniated disc, which is why I had the MRI that showed the CM. At that time I was asymptomatic except for symptoms caused by my herniated disc. The NS did not act concerned about the CM and said that some people live their whole life without even knowing they have it. So, I just kind of forgot about it and went on with life. I've had pain since 2006 but it always appeared to me that it was when my disc was out of place. I used traction, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs on the days I hurt the worst.
I had a son in August 2008 and he was born via emergency c-section at 30 weeks because I developed HELLP. HELLP causes your liver to swell and your platelets drop. It also causes HBP and is said by doctors to be related to preeclampsia. The anesthesiologist had to stick me 3-4 times to get my spinal started and I was bruised for several weeks afterward. I've been telling my family and friends that something went wrong with my spinal because my lower back hurts all the time since then. Within the past year I have also been experiencing numbness/tingling, insomnia and fatigue along with a long list of symptoms. It seems like my symptoms have gradually gotten worse and have reached a point that I am in constant pain and go numb 15-20 times a day. Could this be because of the spinal?
I googled "numb fingertips" the other day and Chiari pulled up. I remembered that it showed on my MRI in 2006 and started to read up on it. I have so many symptoms that are related to Chiari.
So, I am going to see a NS next week but I am wondering if anyone knows a good one in my area. I live in Louisville, KY. Also, any recommendations on where I can find good info on the condition? I want to be as informed as possible before seeing the doc.
Thanks!!!
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Congratulations on your son! I think you are onto something, remembering your Chiari dx. Let us know what you find out next week at the NS.
Many, many people report that their asymptomatic chiari becomes symptomatic after an LP.
Many others have them without any problems.