Chiari malformation: When should I go to A&E with severe pain?

Brain and nerves
1

I am 99% sure I have chiari malformation. I am in the process of waiting to see a neurologist. In the last week I've had a severe headache which has caused extreme neck pain and hurts to the touch on the top of my neck, radiating through my shoulders, nausea every day, dizziness and in a consultation with my spinal Dr recently I couldn't feel the pin pricks when he put them in my feet, legs and arms.

My GP put me on naproxen and anti nausea, should I be worried and does it matter if I wait 3-4 months for a neuro referral or is this something that needs a&he treatment and hospitalisation? I actually discovered there is a neurosurgeon who has a research interest in chiari at my local hospital but don't want to involve to many hospitals and Drs. At least if it got much worse I know where to go!

Advice is needed please.

Many thanks.

2

Hi

Sorry your feeling so bad

I live in the states

I have a symptomatic chiari with about 90% of the symptoms

I have had an appointment to see a neurosurgeon for a total of 4 months

It has been a long wait

I know how you feel I have they same symptoms

MarieChiari

3

I use ice and I keep my self propped up at about a 45° angle on the couch. I keep from flexing head/neck up down left right. I also use naproxen. Heat pad. I also have a soft neck brace.

Marie Chiari

4

I'm assuming A&E is the emergency room?

I have tried that and nothing was done. My experience has

been that most physicians know very little about Chiari and

do not understand our symptoms. So for me it's just been

managing symptoms the best I can on my own until I get to the

Neurosurgeon, who specializes in Chiari. Lots of tears, and I

am on Ativan to manage the intense anxiety.

Marie

5

Firstly have you had an MRI of your brain & full spine? If so, get the results for this Asap to rule out Chiari and Syringomyelia.

If you haven't, then I would suggest you get one done Asap.

I would not recommend you wait 3-4 months see a neurologist if you have numbness to this extent, has your spinal Dr arranged and mri of brain & spine?

Let me know how your getting on, x