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Pressure from Chiari malformation

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 12/5/2010 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Has anybody been diagnosed with this condition?

I've had really intense pressure on both sides of the lower back back of my head for over a year now. Gets worse when I exert myself physically (including standing) like pressure building and has even made me black out a few times if I don't sit down when it starts happening.

Got an MRI for headaches and because of the pressure and the neurologist said I have a malformation in the brain/spinal cord connection that causes buildup of cranial fluid in the brain (hence the pressure).

It got better so I really didn't investigate the issue any further, but now it's back and worse than before. Of course it would happen to me on a weekend. I don't think anything really, really bad could happen because of it but it's not getting better (more than 24 hours of pressure now) and I'm really starting to worry that my head's going to burst open or something. Scary. But seriously... what is going ON?

If anybody know anything more about this or anything that makes it better, please let me know. I've been taking Aleve, drinking tons of water, vitamins, I've eaten healthy, laying in bed... nothing has helped and getting up makes me dizzy.
Posted 1/3/2012 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having similar issues. When I cough it feels like someone is stabbing me in the back of my head, just below my skull, with an ice pick. If I cough hard I get a VERY loud noise in my ears that eventually goes away in a few seconds. At the same time I am "seeing stars". For the past few months I've had problems with my left thigh going numb. Not sure it if has anything to do with it. I've also have constant ringing in my ears. I've had vertigo a few times and once in awhile, when I say a word, it sounds wrong. The word "universe" was the most recent example. It sounds normal now but when I said it a few months ago it sounded very strange "in my head".

I'm going to my DR when I get back home. A friend told me about Chiari. Not sure if I'll be glad or upset to get that diagnosis.
Posted 1/4/2012 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Kimberly you need to see your dr. asap. This is not something to fool around with.it can be serious. Google it and you will get more info but contact your dr. please.

Suzane
Posted 1/4/2012 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
You need to go see your neurologist ASAP.  I have intracranial hypertension too (idiopathic, not caused by chiari).  High intracranial pressure can lead to vision loss.  If you experience double vision, graying vision, or vision loss go to the ER and get a lumbar puncture.  They will drain off some of the fluid.  It will provide temporary relief of the pressure.  Long term, you may need diamox, topamax or lasix to reduce CSF production.  Surgical options include a chiari decompression or a shunt. 
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