A psychological condition that consists of unrelenting emotional and mental distress that results from a psychological shock or injury. Symptoms can include but are not limited to: sleep disturbance, dulled interaction with the world and a constant vivid recall of the triggering event.
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Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia
Refers to a syrinx (cyst filled with cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal cord) which develops specifically after trauma to the spinal cord.
Tinnitus
Often expressed as a ringing in the ears; however, it has also been described as roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. Can be heard in one or both ears, with varying pitches and intensity.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease [GERD]
A chronic digestive disorder that consists of stomach acid or digesting food flowing upwards back into your esophagus (food pipe) repeatedly; causing a severe irritation and possible permanent damage.
Fibromyalgia [FM]
A condition known for widespread musculoskeletal pain; often centralized at “trigger points”. These are spots on the body, often joints, where the pain seems to radiate from. Other symptoms include fatigue, memory and mood issues, sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties (Fibro fog).
Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.
It has been theorized that the widespread pain and other issues come from a processing issue within the brains pain receptors. There is no known singular test for Fibromyalgia; rather a diagnosis comes from a complete history, symptoms and physical exam. A variety of medications have been found to help ease the symptoms of Fibromyalgia as there is no cure.
Sleep Apnea
A serious (even life threatening) condition that involves a temporary suspension of breathing while sleeping. All types of sleep apnea are dangerous and should be taken very seriously. There are three types common to Chiari and/or it’s comorbid conditions:
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – When one stops breathing because the brain stops telling it to try (respiratory effort); common amongst Chiarians that have had a measure of damage to their brainstem and/or Vagus Nerve (damaging their Autonomic Nervous System).
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – When one stops breathing because of an obstruction (with respiratory effort unchanged); common amongst those with Ehler’s-danlos Syndrome because of their strong tendency for prolapse.
- Complex Sleep Apnea – A combination of both CSA and OSA (periods with and without respiratory effort).
Treatments: Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure device (BiPAP or BPAP) or a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (CPAP), Losing and maintaining weight can aid in correcting Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
