Symptoms

Symptoms and Treatments
1

I know there is no such thing as classic symptom when it comes to chiari's and everyone's differ. But with my ongoing neurologist issues I was wondering if anyone has had their legs just go out from under them. I guess the best way to describe it is falling like I'm fainting but being aware the whole time it has happened 3 times to me in the last couple of months and my neurologist thinks its more peripheral vascular than chair's related. And thinking back it happened once in high school.

I was just wondering if this has happen to anyone else so I don't waste time and money doing what my dr thinks is wrong and what really is wrong.

2

This is called a "drop attack". Typically you will catch yourself before you actually hit the ground. My niece has these attacks. This is absolutely Chiari related. One my neice had the 1st decompression the attacks stopped for awhile. There is some data and research that suggests that decompression has good results for the syncope and drop attacks. Denvers (Aurora, Co.) Chiari Care Institute has a post on this very issue right now. It is on the first page. I'll see if I can find the link.

3

Thank you guys for all the info I knew I wasn’t overreacting to my symptoms. On a side note I finally got my Neuro to give me a consult to a local neurosurgeon who actually has treated many patients with CM.Now I just need to get an appt.

4

www.chiaricare.com

The full link I tried to copy wouldn't paste, but this is the website. Its some info on research done by Dr. Oro's assistant (Mueller I believe). It doesn't describe the condition, but it does show relevance with Chiari and Chairi treatment.

5

www.conquerchiari.org and search drop attacks

This has very detailed info on the condition. May help you to see if this really is what you have going on.

6

Has anyone ever had chronic compartment syndromw and plantar fasciatis as symptoms of chiari?

I have had over 6 surgeries to release muscles from the fascia compartment and now I have been diagnosed with chiari type 1. I know the dura is tight around the brain tonsils for chiari, but my whole body has had tight connective tissue. Anyone experiancing tight compartments throughout the body?

7

Thank you for the response Abby. This support group is amazing.

Abby said:

I know I sure suffer from plantar fascitis at times and it hurts for months. Many of us Chiarian's also have Ehlers Danlos which may be the root of many of our problems including Plantar Fasciatis, TMJ, Cervical instability and even Chiari,

Read this to explain what I am talking about:

What Can I Do?

The most common form of EDS is hypermobility, which is also the form for which genetic testing is unavailable (the genes involved have not been completely identified yet). So it is particularly important that primary care physicians screen for EDS. Refer the family to a geneticist, but:

You are in the best position to enable an EDS child’s full and happy life.

The clues and complications listed here can help guide you and the families you serve in deciding whether a diagnosis of EDS may be worth pursuing further, and help those who have been diagnosed to stay as healthy as possible.

Cardiovascular

  • Possibility of aortic root dilatition, mitral valve prolapse, other valvular abnormalities, enlarged right coronary artery.
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia, leading to chronic fatigue, is especially found in young persons with EDS.
  • Some doctors have seen onset of lipid abnormalities in EDS youth; in any case, attention to heart health should begin early.

Gastroenterology

  • Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and/or diarrhea, reflux, food allergies, gastroparesis.

Rheumatology & Orthopedic

  • Joint hypermobility can be assessed using the Beighton scale; however, joint hypermobility also depends on age, gender, family and ethnic background.
  • Excessive flattening of feet when weight bearing, pronated or everted feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions.
  • Joint dislocations & subluxations apparently unrelated to specific injury.
  • Chronic unexplained joint pain, commonly out of proportion to physical and radiological findings.
  • Scoliosis, kyphosis and leg length discrepancy, knee/hip alignment issues.
  • Premature onset of degenerative disc disease and herniated discs in the spine.

Social & Developmental

  • Depression and withdrawal from social activities due to chronic pain.
  • Physical awkwardness and clumsiness.

Dermatology & Sports Medicine

  • Easy bruising, enlarged scars, stretch marks, poor wound healing.
  • Frequent injuries.
  • Joints may be stabilized by adequate muscular control and appropriate physical therapy.
  • Long-term damage resulting from hypermobile joint “party tricks”, rotational stress, contact sports.

Maxillofacial/Dental

  • High palate and teeth crowding (prior to orthodontic corrections).
  • TMJ pain.
  • Early onset gingival recession and gum problems.
  • Cavities, dental discoloration and dental pits.

Neurology

  • Cranio-cervical instability, cervical disc disease, Chiari I malformation.
  • Syringomyelia.
  • Tethered Cord Syndrome.
  • Migraine headaches.

Screening and Management for Adults with EDS

Skeletal

  • Joint instability, pain, fatigue, osteoarthritis, bunions, osteopenia
  • Low resistance muscle toning exercise to help stabilize joints.
  • Minimize joint impact, hyperextension and resistance exercise.
  • Avoid excess body weight.
  • Myofascial release to reduce painful spasm (heat, cold, massage, ultrasound, electric stimulation, acupuncture/acupressure, etc.).
  • Avoid or minimize use of high heels.
  • Arch and/or heel support for foot complications.
  • External bracing when necessary (will not cause atrophy if toning exercise is continued).
  • Supportive mattress and pillow; keep head in neutral position while sleeping.
  • Fat-grip writing utensils.
  • Avoid joint stabilizing surgery (high risk of failure).
  • Joint replacement surgery acceptable when necessary.
  • Analgesic medication as needed.
  • Calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
  • Periodic bone density screening.

Cardiovascular

  • Aortic root dilation, neurally mediated hypotension (NMH), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
  • Echocardiography annually if abnormal, every five years or longer if normal.
  • Consider ß–blockade for enlarging aortic root.
  • Maintain adequate hydration and salt intake.
  • Consider tilt-table test for dizziness, fatigue, tachycardia.
  • Treat NMH and POTS as in patients without EDS.

Gastrointestinal

  • GERD, gastritis, delayed gastric emptying, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Smaller meals and avoid lying down for two hours after meals.
  • Treat acid and functional bowel disorders as in patients without EDS.

Skin

  • Soft, stretchy, easy bruising.
  • Minimize trauma.
  • Vitamin C 250–500 mg daily might be helpful.
  • Oral/Dental
  • High narrow palate, dental crowding, periodontal disease, TMJ dysfunction
  • Frequent brushing (soft bristles) and flossing.
  • Dental exam and cleaning every six months.
  • Appliances as needed for crowding, bruxism or TMJ pain.

Psychosocial

  • Isolation, depression, stigmatization
  • Supportive, trusting, patient-centered care.
  • Counseling for self-esteem, stress management and coping with chronic pain/disability.
  • Counseling does not replace management of the underlying musculoskeletal and other systemic manifestations.

Pregnancy

  • Anticipate increased pain and laxity in third trimester
  • Possible rapid labor and delivery, including first pregnancy.
  • No clear advantage between vaginal and Caesarean delivery.
  • Premature rupture of membranes only in classical type, especially if fetus also has EDS.

Skin/soft tissue features

  • Excluding hypermobility type: atrophic scars, skin fragility, wound dehiscence, prolonged bleeding
  • Extra precautions against trauma.
  • Adhesive bandages may tear skin.
  • Avoid unnecessary surgery.
  • Don’t pull sutures tighter than necessary, but use more and leave them in longer.
  • Treat prolonged bleeding similarly to von Willebrand disease.
  • The skin involvement (hyperextensibility and/or smooth velvety skin) as well as bruising tendencies in the Hypermobility Type are present but variable in severity.

Vascular EDS (VEDs)

  • Rupture of intestines, medium-sized arteries, gravid uterus, and other internal organs
  • Non-invasive arteriography head through pelvis (CT or MR) every 6-12 months.
  • Cautious embolization, stenting or surgical management of enlarging aneurysms.
  • Tissues are especially friable when there is concurrent inflammation.
  • Repair of torn structures may be difficult, sometimes requiring sacrifice of downstream organ(s).
  • Kyphoscoliosis EDS
  • Consider arterial screening as in the vascular type.
  • Eye protection whenever there is risk of trauma.
  • Regular ophthalmologic examination.
  • Prompt evaluation and treatment of potential retinal detachment.
  • Regular spine examination; surgery for kyphoscoliosis if necessar
8

I know that I have had my knees just kind of give out, like they have no strength.