Intracranial Hypotension

The Important Questions to Ask Your Neurosurgeon [Revised]

Sep 16, 2023

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sug_97

in Acquired Chiari Malformation, Advocacy Resources, Atlantoaxial Instability, Comorbidities, Craniocervical Instability, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, Empty Sella Syndrome, General Information, Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue, Hydrocephalus, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypotension, Tethered Cord Syndrome

Most Chiarians go to see a surgeon with an expectation of them being knowledgeable in their field. However, while they might be a neurosurgeon, their knowledge of Chiari and its comorbid/pathological conditions might not rank high in their practice. Make the most of your initial appointment by interviewing them and what they really know about…
Understanding Your Head and Neck Pain

Dec 28, 2022

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sug_97

in Atlantoaxial Instability, Cerebellar Ptosis, Comorbidities, Craniocervical Instability, Degenerative Disc Disease, Dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, Etiological Co-Factors, Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue, Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypotension

You Might Have More Than A Migraine If… High-Pressure Headaches Those that suffer from high pressure tend to feel pressure behind the eyes (often mistaken for sinus headaches) and report feeling like their “head is going to explode” from the pressure. High-pressure headaches are generally characterized by being worse when laying down – often awaking…
Overview: Chiari Comorbidities & Etiological/Pathological Cofactors

Dec 10, 2020

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sug_97

in Acquired Chiari Malformation, Atlantoaxial Instability, Comorbidities, Craniocervical Instability, Degenerative Disc Disease, Dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, Etiological Co-Factors, General Information, Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue, Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypotension, Syringomyelia, Tethered Cord Syndrome

When you start to educate yourself on a condition like Chiari, your vocabulary will be challenged. Most of us study with a medical journal article opened in one tab and medical dictionary in the next. Amongst all the medical terminology you will tackle, there are probably a few terms as important to your understanding of…
The Emmalyn Freeze Story – A Chiari Warrior’s Journey (Updated)

Jul 30, 2020

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sug_97

in A Chiari Warrior’s Journey, Acquired Chiari Malformation, Atlantoaxial Instability, Craniocervical Instability, Dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue, Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypotension, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Syringomyelia, Testimonials, Tethered Cord Syndrome

Colton had just finished his Chiari Decompression. He was headache free and doing great! His neurosurgeon came to me and said, “This is a genetic disorder and Emmalyn should be checked.” Two weeks later I took Emmalyn into the Chicago area to be sedated for her first MRI of the brain and spine. Three hours…
Brain Under Pressure – A Guide to Understanding Intracranial Hypertension [Updated]

Dec 8, 2019

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by

sug_97

in Empty Sella Syndrome, Hydrocephalus, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypotension

Left untreated, this high pressure creates a “pushing effect” towards the only natural escape at the base of the skull (the foramen magnum) and the cerebellar tonsils in the pathway are pushed through the foramen magnum.
Overview: Chiari Comorbidities & Etiological/Pathological Cofactors [Revised]

Nov 16, 2019

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by

sug_97

in Acquired Chiari Malformation, Atlantoaxial Instability, Comorbidities, Craniocervical Instability, Degenerative Disc Disease, Dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, Etiological Co-Factors, General Information, Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue, Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypotension, Syringomyelia, Tethered Cord Syndrome

When you start to educate yourself on a condition like Chiari, your vocabulary will be challenged. Most of us study with a medical journal article opened in one tab and medical dictionary in the next. Amongst all the medical terminology you will tackle, there are probably a few terms as important to your understanding of…
What’s In A Name? An Expansive Review of the Name and Definition of Chiari Malformation

Sep 4, 2018

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sug_97

in Acquired Chiari Malformation, Atlantoaxial Instability, Craniocervical Instability, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, Empty Sella Syndrome, Etiological Co-Factors, General Information, Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue, Hydrocephalus, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypotension, Tethered Cord Syndrome

THE DEFINITION OF A CHIARI MALFORMATION HAS BEEN LONG DEBATED. IT REALLY IS NO WONDER THAT PATIENTS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ALIKE ARE CONFUSED. THEN, WITH US FULLY UNDERSTANDING ALL SIDES OF THE DEBATE, WE DEFINED A CHIARI MALFORMATION AS STRUCTURAL DEFECTS IN WHICH THE CEREBELLUM, THE HIND PART OF THE BRAIN, DESCENDS BELOW THE FORAMEN…
Overview: Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

Jan 19, 2018

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by

sug_97

in Comorbidities, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, Etiological Co-Factors, Intracranial Hypotension

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and is contained within a lining called the dura. The cerebrospinal fluid protects and cushions the brain and central nervous system. Among other functions, this fluid provides buoyancy to the brain, allowing it to float and weigh less, thus reducing…