Chiari Malformation

Has anyone heard of this? Apparently 10% of RA sufferers have it?

I came across it by chance and am now wondering if I have it due to getting lots of headaches and other symptoms.

Thanks everyone

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Not heard of it. WHat is it? I suffer lots of headaches but have always put it down to my meds.

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It can arise when the odontoid peg at the top of the cervical spine (C2 I think!) moves upwards into the base of the skull. I believe it can cause basilar migraine.

Always worth getting any spine problem checked out; in the cervical spine area it is important that the odontoid peg does not become damaged/unstable. Physio can advice appropriate exercises.

Lyn x

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Have just asked you a question but clicked wrong button so its below !!!

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Thanks Lyn

I am really thinking I have this. I was put on anticonvulscants for many years for severe and debilitating migraines prior to RA. However I have the Snap crackle and pop type sound whenever I move my neck and also when I first asked fro an xray years ago it was because I thought i could feel fluid moving around in my neck. Ive just read from people with this condition that is typical. Do you know anyone with it lyn? I would like to get off anti convulscants if that not approprate. I looked at the Chiari Malformation Instititute in America who were saying that it is hugely missed by doctors and consultants. Hope I can persuade them to give me an expensive mRI? Have had cervical xray but am assuming it wouldnt show up in that? Do you know lyn?

Thanks again

Fi x

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go lyn go1 think your knowledge fantastic.. i have grindy neck but no migraine as of yet

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My consultant offered me nerve blocks for my neck and head pain, settled for acupuncture instead which worked well went on for eight months or so though!

I did say if the pain returned I would consider the nerve blocks, still get the grinding and crunching sound but then again I also get it in my knees,shoulders,elbow and so on, lol!!!!

Never heard of Chiari Malformation though, sounds like Chinese torture!! lol.

take care

Mandy xx