What is Arnold-Chiari malformation? Is there any different symptoms for it?

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I know it has something to do with with the fluid stuff, but I don't have any of the symptoms that are normal from it (I am 14). The doctors only found it when they were looking for anything else that could be causing what I call "blackouts". My eyes kind of black over from the outside and I have passed out from them before. My legs feel very spaghetti-like, but I can normally function properly. If anyone has answers for either of my illnesses please help!
some symptoms for it are: The brainstem, cranial nerves, and the lower portion of the cerebellum may be stretched or compressed. Therefore, any of the functions controlled by these areas may be affected. The blockage of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) flow may also cause a syrinx to form, eventually leading to syringomyelia. Chiari is often associated with major headaches, sometimes mistaken for migraines. Chiari headaches usually include intense pressure in the back of the head, aggravated by laughing, coughing, sneezing or straining. Chiari also includes extreme muscle soreness, facial pain, hearing problems, and low energy levels. It also can cause insomnia cycles of sleep deprivation followed by inabilities to remain awake cycling between them. 15% of patients with adult Chiari malfomation are asymptomatic.  (+ info)

Is Diazepam safe during Pregnancy? Any women using it in pregnancy to control Blood Pressure?

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My gynaec prescribed Diazepam to control my high BP but I found on Internet that its use MAY cause congenital malformations in fetus in some cases. While some other studies say that new research indicates Diazepam is safe in pregnancy. I am very confused.

I have been detected with High Blood Pressure in 24th week of pregnancy. It is my second pregnancy and I lost my baby in first. So I am very careful. Also she gave me Methyldopa ( Alphadopa) to control my BP, whose use is considred safe during pregnancy.

So should i contine taking one medicine. I dont want to ask her directly as she might feel I dont truust her at all.
Hey sweetie....I'm not an MD, but I had the same prob (High BP during my Pregnancy). I was put on Labetalol which worked wonders to control my levels and had no adverse on my son when he was born. I trusted my doctor because he stressed that the high blood pressure would increase the risks of complications far more than the risks of birth defects with the meds!

It'll all be fine, I'm sure! Good luck to you and your little one

And, oh yeah......I'm sure your doctor has been asked A LOT WORSE! Just tell her your concerns about the 2 meds, (and your history with the loss if she doesn't know) and she's sure to ease your concerns!  (+ info)

Is there any risk for the embrio if it was conceived while being sick?

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My partner and I have been trying to make a baby for the last couple of months. No success, yet, but I know it will happen when it has to. However, I've been worried because I've been getting colds very frequently for the past 3 months. I wonder if there is a risk for the embrio to develop any malformations in case it was conceived while I had a cold (meaning running nose and coughing). I am the female :)
Thank you in advance.
no it has nothing to with the embro  (+ info)

Does anybody else have Chiari Malformation or know someone that does?

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Have you had surgery? If so, how has life been since? Do you still have trouble? What symptoms lead the doctors to find it?
I used to work in a Medical Orthopedic office where we dealt with a lot of chronic pain patients. There were a surprising number of patients who had Chiari after we sent them for a scan.
They usually had very stubborn neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and often dizziness.
My mother in law has it too, and she had very persistent numbness and pain in her right arm and leg for many years. She just got operated for it, where they basically enlarged her foramen magnum (the hole the the base of her spine).
She had a seizure after the surgery, and got numbness in both her legs. The effects of that are slowly going away, and now she feels less pain in her left side. Now she has headaches. Sorry I couldn't paint you a more rosy picture, but I think her problems came from her seizure, not the surgery, which seems to have worked well. She also had syringo myelia, an enlargement of the spinal canal, which often comes together with Chiari.
It is a serious surgery, but can work well. Best luck.  (+ info)

iam trying to conceive and wish to hear on any vaccines, to prevent malformation in babies?

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I am asking this b'coz, i have 2 cats in my home and read an article on toxoplasmosis, that could cause serious infection in unborn babies!
Just take prenatal vitamins before TTC and during your pregnancy. Prenatal help make your body healthy for a pregnancy and help prevent spina bifida.
There is no treatment for toxoplasmosis. If you contract the virus during pregnancy your baby must receive immediate medical attention directly after birth. The most common therapy is fold acid and sulfur, and occasionally corticosteroids. While the effects of the virus can not be reversed, additional problems can sometimes be prevented with immediate medical care.
There is no vaccine for toxoplasmosis, but you can avoid the disease both before and after conception:
1. Make certain all red meat and pork is thoroughly cooked.
2. Avoid cat litter boxes.
3. Wear heavy protective gloves while gardening.

I suggest you get rid of your cats if your TTC or find someone else to clean their litterboxes.  (+ info)

Is a tonsillar herniation the same as the chiari malformation?

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My mother was diagnosed with tonsillar herniation after having reported vertigo and having undergone some studies. Some websites report dire outcomes for tonsillar herniation patients (death and brain death) but much more optimistic outcomes for people with the chiari malformation. Until now the vertigo has been the only symptom and my mother only feels it when she is already lying down, trying to sleep, and she bends over in any way. Should we be concerned about an imminent death threat or is there a chance it could be a case of the chiari malformation. The herniation is supposed to have a growth of 7 mm, but the symptoms remain the same and it has not been possible to see a neurosurgeon to determine the seriousness of my mother's case.
They are kind of the same in some instances.

Tonsillar herniation or Foramen magnum herniation occurs when the infratentorial brain is displaced through the foramen magnum secondary to mass effect. It can result in sudden death. Usually people present acutely with severe symptoms.

Chiari malformation (there are four types) is a birth defect that specifically dispalces the tonsils through the foramen magnum. It may not show up (symptomatically) until adolescence or adulthood. There are other defects that may also be associated with this defect as well. How long has your mom had symptoms?

You mention studies, does that include an MRI or a CT scan? Those are the two main options for diagnostic studies. Surgical intervention may or may not be recommended. Seeing a doctor is still the best thing to do if possible. The cause of the tonsillar herniation needs to be treated. Once nerve damage is done, it is not usually reversible. If vertigo is the only symptom so far, it seems like treatment sooner rather than later would be preferable, before more symptoms present, indicating possible worsening of the problem. There is not a direct correlation between symptoms and severity of herniation though. So it could be getting worse and no symptoms would be noticed. Until severe complications occured including death.

You also said "the herniation is supposed to have a growth of 7mm" does that mean there is a tumor causing the displacement, or is that how far the tonsils were seen to be going through. I would try to see a doc ASAP.  (+ info)

Can a person get disability who has Arnold chiari malformation?

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My daughter has this and she is sometimes unable to function out of the house, so she has a hard time in school.
I don't know this disease. I would think if your daughter is unable to function she would be eligible for disability. I wish I knew exactly what this was. I'll have to look it up. I just typed in the name and alot of info came up. Yes, try to get her on disability. Good luck  (+ info)

How do I deal with grosteque pictures of diseases?

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My name is Jackie and I'm currently a pre-nursing major. It will be another year before I apply for Nursing School. I have a strong desire to be a nurse but I don't think I can handle seeing patients with malformations, skin diseases, and things like that. today i saw a picture of man with pellegra and it grossed me out to the point where i got shivers down my spine. what should i do to overcome my fear?
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Does anyone here have CVMs(cavernous venious malformations)?

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i have several in my brain and had brain surgery to remove one that had bled. this was four years ago. since than several members of my family have been diognosed with them too.five have needed surgery to remove bleeders.

tell me your situation. what you have learned.have others in your family have them too? maybe we can exchange information.
well there is a television network in my country(Cable Viacom Network). but in all seriousness that's really sad. must hurt to have sugery on your brain  (+ info)

If you have Chiari Malformation can you still live a normal life without surgery?

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I have Type 1 Chiari Malformation, and I was wondering if I don't get surgery for it can I still have a normal life?? Or would I miss out on things??
A lot of people have this without even knowing it, so yeah: it's possible to have a pretty normal life.

But I wonder what symptoms you are exhibiting so that this discovery was made: I think you need to discuss the situation with your doctors: ask them how you can expect the surgery to improve your life, and whether they would reccomend it to a family member in your position.  (+ info)

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