Chiari 1 Malformation

Hi Teeners,
I'm so sorry to hear of this new development! I do hope that you get some really good information during your appt with the Neurosurgeon!

From what I could find, some seem to think that it's possible for Lyme to activate the symptoms of Chiari malformation - you know, as yet another stressor on an already stressed out body.

I'll be interested in hearing what you find out, if you don't mind posting about your experiences with this!

Hello,
I would look into the lyme more and go to a LLMD doctor. I was told by many doctors that I didn't have lyme but after seeing a LLMD doctor I found out I have it. I also have chiari malformation, I have had issues with this for years but it could also have been issues of Lyme. I had many tick bites when I was younger and had cats that I frequently pulled deer ticks off of. I didn't think anything about Lyme back then. They think that I've had lyme for many years. I personally think that since lyme in late stages can cause brain issues and swelling.. I think it's possible that it could affect the chiari malformation. I don't know if it would cause it but I'm thinking more of aggrevating symptoms or making it worse. It's very confusing because it seems that the symptoms of lyme are just like the symptoms of chiari. I have talked to many people that have chiari that have issues with weakness in their arms and hands, just like I do. They also seem to have joint issues also. The symptoms are so similar that it's hard to know where anything is coming from. I am in treatment now for lyme and I feel that it's worth doing this first before thinking about any type of brain surgery. It would be different for everyone, of course. Anyway I would look more into the lyme first because if someone said that you have it you very well might. It's very hard to diagnose and most doctors will say that you don't have it before they say that you do.

I had Chiari 1 decompression surgery in 2000. Did well and received a lot of relief from my Chiari headaches. Eight years later, I was diagnosed with Lymes, Babesia and Bartonella which I believe I had for 20 years. Although tests never revealed the Lymes, my doctor said I had it because I had the Babesia. I am doing much better from my treatment of these tick diseases after 1 1/2 years of heavy meds and supplements. Was the Chiari caused by the lymes? Maybe but who knows. Teeners....anything new?

Teeners,
My Chiari malformation is 13mm. Of all the research I have done it seems that the symptoms of chiari and lyme are very similar or the same. This is why it's always been so confusing to me. My herniation is not hitting my spinal cord right now so I"m not going to do anything about it at this time. I'm going to try to keep treating the lyme. Although it seems like a long battle. I have been on treatment for over a year and have gotton rid of some co-infections (at least the blood tests are saying that now) but I still have the lyme and Babesia. I was also recently tested for Bartonella. Since i have cats, My physical therapist thought I should check for that again. Anyway, I would love to hear from anyone that has actually had their herniation get better. I do not know if this is possible. I am curious if it could ever happen if the lyme was the cause of the chiari. If anyone has any information on this I would love to hear it. thanks