Science at its Finest - Le Brain

On April 25, 2015 a brain MRI was completed on me due to all my symptoms, ongoing headaches, etc. It was ordered by a Neurologist I was referred to by my Rehab Physiatrist.  This Neurologist specializes in Epilepsy (which I haven't had yet thank goodness)...she saw me for about 20 minutes and then prescribed me Topomax for my headaches that have not fully resolved since the wreck.  I chose not to take the Topomax for several reasons. Mostly because the effects of the Medication matched my current symptoms.  The Neurologist then scheduled me for an appointment 6 months later.  Her nurse called me with my MRI results, which I also had at that time received a copy of the report from.  

Among a variety of things discovered was a Chiari One Malformation. Something I had heard of before from a friend who had a child who had it and had to have surgery.  Given my pretty good health and no symptoms before the wreck, no previous MRI done when admitted to ER to compare to, and due to my buffet of injuries after the wreck, this was something I had hoped could explain my ongoing headaches.  Something that had gone undiagnosed until the MRI.  Something to grasp onto with the HOPE it would fix a lot of the discomfort I now live with.

I decided to research this Chiari myself and how it pertained or if it pertained to me in any way.  What I discovered and continue to discover, is that as a medical community we are still growing, evolving, and developing.  I also continue to learn that things are not always black and white...sometimes they range from light to dark grey.  That medicine is a practice and that I don't like to be practiced on.  The GREAT news is, I do not need brain surgery and have more than one opinion on that now. The risks outweigh the benefits. Follow up in 6 months to a year with another MRI. I continue to have question marks unanswered, however, at least we are heading in a direction still of final conclusions.

As it turns out we know I had whiplash, broken bones galore, and now have a smorgasbord of injuries in various stages of healing...and now this...perhaps a piece of the puzzle yet unfinished...

Head/Neck Trauma Sparks Chiari Symptoms In Some

http://www.chiarisupport.org/forum/topics/whiplash-associated-with-chiari

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/chiari-malformation-sudden-onset-symptoms-trauma/

http://www.mlnlaw.com/articles/chiari-malformation-after-car-accident/

https://www.conquerchiari.org/subs%20only/Volume%206/Issue%206(6)/Minor%20Trauma%20Sparks%20Symptoms%20%206(6).html

http://chiaricare.com/resources/faqs.aspx

I keep educating myself, looking for answers.  I want to help others find the information I searched so hard for.  If this pertains to you I hope it is helpful.  As it pertains to me?  Onward and Upward....one day at a time.