ChiariPeople of PA formed in efforts to provide support and information on the daily needs and questions facing Chiari patients, their families, and friends. 

 
The most common misdiagnoses are Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Migraine, Arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis.  Many patients have had un-necessary surgeries and have been diagnosed with Psychiatric disorders.

Many doctors and most nurses have yet to hear of Chiari.  We hope to help educate our community about Chiari Malformation and the devasting disorders associated with it.

Special thanks to the Chiari Institute for the use of their resources and commitment to the treatment of these defects of the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of Chiari

*pounding sub-occipital headaches (most common)

*severe head and neck pain

*difficulty swallowing

*frequent gagging & choking

*headaches brought on by coughing, sneezing or straining

*dizziness and vertigo, balance problems

*muscle weakness, chronic fatigue

*low back pain (L-4, L-5 area)

*blurred or double vision, floaters

*hypersensitivity to light, ocular disturbances

*Nystagmus-involuntary eye movements

*Tinnitus-buzzing or ringing in ears

*hearing loss

*Sleep Apena, heart palpitations

*muscle weakness in head, face & tremors

*nausea and vomitting

*acute pain in and around eyes

*paralysis of arms and legs may occur