Has anyone had memory/cognitive testing?

I have an appointment in March to see a Neuropsychologist to do memory and cognitive testing. When I went to see my NS she said that the memory issues and the eye pressure/pain had nothing to do with Chiari. I see that many of you are having the same issues. It is very frustrating because they keep passing the buck! I had Decompression Surgery on December 2nd. I thought things would get better. I am not looking forward to this upcoming appointment because it is 2 days at 5 hours each. I am going to be exhausted! It takes so much out of me to function properly, let alone deal with this. My NS and NL seem to think that my hypothalamus is causing some of these issues. I am confused! They are trying to diagnose something and I believe it is all Chiari related. It seems like they are not recognizing that Chiari can cause these sx. I don't know if I should try to find another doctor? Do any of them get it? Also, I need something that helps with the burning sensation that I have all over. I have been on Lyrica and it didn't work as well as Gabapentin (on now). But they keep increasing the dose and I still don't have relief. Any suggestions?

Sometimes I think once the NS has done the surgery they wipe their hands of you.....at least that's how I felt. It took so many months of worse pain and worse sypmtoms before I started feeling better. My NS just kept telling me and my family that "he didn't know what the problem was becasue he never had a patient react like this after surgery". After being on this site I see I was more normal than i realized and the NS was just "done" with me. ALOT of post op Chiarians seem to have gone through the exact same thing! He had done his job and that's all he needed to do. Unfortunately my original NS died in an accident 2 weeks before my originally scheduled surgery. ( IHe was an amzing NS--caring, diligent and awesome). Post-op I had to go to 2 different NL before I found the one I have now that really listens, tries things and wants to help! I believe I told you this on your last discussion, but it is so true...keep pushing and don't give up. You are your best advocate! (I work at a hospital and let me tell you-if you don't fight for yourself no one will. I see it everyday).

:o) Monique

I participated in a Chiari Survey before and after surgery. Part of the questions were about cognitive changes relating to Chiari. I think they are starting to believe that chiari does affect cognitive thinking.

I was having problems with memory, cognitive issues and some anxiety before surgery but everything has returned to normal now.

Diana

My daughter NL thinks that Chiari can cause memory issues and other issues. I remember several years ageo at a visit. I was explaining that my daughter was having lots issue in school. My biggest worry was that she was 9 or 10 at the time and she could not remember which one was the dryer and which one was the washer. Mind you my daughter is not dumb she is just slow when it comes to some things. He said its the Chiari and also because of the csf flow. I would try another Dr.

Susan

I am years past my decompression surgery, and I have had memory issues that the NS insists have nothing to do with Chiari, but I'm convinced that they do. I have problems with my pituitary and hypothalamus gland due to the Chairi and the related surgery. I didn't know anyone else did. I was even on Human Growth Hormone therapy for a while post surgery because my pituitary gland completely shut down. Chiari seems to affect the entire body!

Nicole,

I would advise you to find another Dr. Memory issues and eye pressure and pain are indeed CM symptoms. I have a bent optic nerve from the pressure. Many people have eye issues. My memory issue is forgetting words & mispelling words. ( I wish I could forget CM)....I didn't get any relief from Neurontin & Topomax. I took large doses for a year and a half & gained a lot of weight. I stopped the Neurontin & topomax & my pain was exactly the same. The only thing that happened was my mind wasn't as foggy. Have you tried amitriptylene? It works very well, but makes you sleepy, so I take it at night. I really hope you get some relief. Pain of any kind can be exhausting. Please keep us updated. You will be in my Prayers !!!

Tracy Z.