What and Where

As somethings have come more to light in the months this is what i have learned so far, I have been researching this from my nerosurgent and this is a short way of explaining Chiari in my words- I have no medical background I am a Chiarian please enjoy!

Where is this Chairi?
In order too explain this we need to understand the Cerebella, Vagus Nerve, Brainstem and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). I am not a doctor so I post all the sits I get the information from and say hey thanks for putting that out there for us. But I am going to be putting in my two since in so we can figure this out, So lets get started……..

What does your Cerebella do?
a large portion of the brain, serving to coordinate voluntary movements, posture, and balance in humans, being in back of and below the cerebrum and consisting of two lateral lobes and a central lobe. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cerebella

So it is important, if it is not working correctly by being pulled down by the tonsils or the tonsils being so enlarged that it is putting pressure on the brainstem and or Vegus nerve.

What is a Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve (pronounced /ˈveɪɡəs/, US dict: vā′•gəs), also called pneumogastric nerve, cranial nerve X, the Wanderer or sometimes the Rambler, is the tenth of twelve (excluding CN0) paired cranial nerves. Upon leaving the medulla between the olivary nucleus and the inferior cerebellar peduncle, it extends through the jugular foramen, then passing into the carotid sheath between the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein down below the head, to the neck, chest and abdomen, where it contributes to the innervation of the viscera. Besides output to the various organs in the body the vagus nerve conveys sensory information about the state of the body's organs to the central nervous system. 80-90% of the nerve fibers in the vagus nerve are afferent (sensory) nerves communicating the state of the viscera to the brain.[1]
The medieval Latin word vagus means literally "Wandering" (the words vagrant, vagabond, and vague come from the same root). Sometimes the branches are spoken of in the plural and are thus called vagi (pronounced /ˈveɪdʒaɪ/, US dict: vā′•jī). The vagus is also called the pneumogastric nerve since it innervates both the lungs and the stomach.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve

What does a brainstem do?
vertebrate anatomy the brainstem (or brain stem) is the posterior part of the brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the spinal cord. The brain stem provides the main motor and sensory innervation to the face and neck via the cranial nerves. Though small, this is an extremely important part of the brain as the nerve connections of the motor and sensory systems from the main part of the brain to the rest of the body pass through the brain stem. This includes the corticospinal tract (motor), the posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway (fine touch, vibration sensation and proprioception) and the spinothalamic tract (pain, temperature, itch and crude touch). The brain stem also plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac and respiratory function. It also regulates the central nervous system, and is pivotal in maintaining consciousness and regulating the sleep cycle.
It is usually described as including the medulla oblongata (myelencephalon), pons (part of meten cephalon), and midbrain (mesencephalon).[1][2] Less frequently, parts of the diencephalon are included. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_stem

OK so that was really confusing……. So in a lame persons words once your Cerebellum tonsils are enlarged EVERTHING kind of goes crazy…. The domino effect.
Well that does not sound good…… Well it makes sense cause all these “crazy” thing we feel are not crazy. Are nerves are going hay-wire and our brain is suffering from Spinal fluid oh whoops forgot about that one. Back too the dictionary.

Why does the Brain need spinal fluid?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), Liquor cerebrospinalis, is a clear bodily fluid that occupies the subarachnoid space and the ventricular system around and inside the brain and spinal cord. In essence, the brain "floats" in it.
The CSF occupies the space between the arachnoid mater (the middle layer of the brain cover, meninges), and the pia mater (the layer of the meninges closest to the brain). It constitutes the content of all intra-cerebral (inside the brain, cerebrum) ventricles, cisterns, and sulci (singular sulcus), as well as the central canal of the spinal cord.
It acts as a "cushion" or buffer for the cortex, providing a basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain inside the skull.
CSF serves four primary purposes:
1.Buoyancy: The actual mass of the human brain is about 1400 grams;
2.however the net weight of the brain suspended in the CSF is equivalent to a mass of 25 grams.[7] The brain therefore exists in neutral buoyancy, which allows the brain to maintain its density without being impaired by its own weight, which would cut off blood supply and kill neurons in the lower sections without CSF.[8]
3.Protection: CSF protects the brain tissue from injury when jolted or hit. In certain situations such as auto accidents or sports injuries, the CSF cannot protect the brain from forced contact with the skull case, causing hemorrhaging, brain damage, and sometimes death.[9]
4.Chemical stability: CSF flows throughout the inner ventricular system in the brain and is absorbed back into the bloodstream, rinsing the metabolic waste from the central nervous system through the blood-brain barrier. This allows for homeostatic regulation of the distribution of neuroendocrine factors, to which slight changes can cause problems or damage to the nervous system. For example, high glycine concentration disrupts temperature and blood pressure control, and high CSF pH causes dizziness and syncope.[10]
5.Prevention of brain ischemia: The prevention of brain ischemia is made by decreasing the amount of CSF in the limited space inside the skull. This decreases total intracranial pressure and facilitates blood perfusion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebrospinal_fluid#Functions

So if we have blockage, pressure, pulling of the brain- No wonder we are all feeling confused and lost. So now we know a little bit more of how our bodies work. I think it is safe too say we understand why we are confused and maybe we all need to take a breath…………………

So I know there is something wrong with me WHAT do I do and WHERE do I go?
To be diagnose correctly you need a MRI with contrast. Why with contrast this is the best way to find out your CSF.
You can go too your family doctor and they can either refer you out or order the MRI. Then they will refer you too a neurologist and or Nero sergeant. Then you are or are already scared to death….

I know it’s hard but stop and take a long breath.

I’m diagnosed, scared I don’t understand, WHERE do I go for support?
There are many foundations and support groups. You can find good doctors through them and support. It is important that you always remember you’re not alone. It is just as important too have your family and friends know they are not alone also.

I had surgery, WHERE am I now? WHAT is coming next?
This is the most important thing of all, Arnold Chiari Malformation is symptomatic. We are all different. It is a Brain disease that is different for everyone. You heal different, you get different surgeries, We cope differently and it changes all our life’s different. But it is time too stand up and say hey thanks doc for the help but I also need too help myself. Negativity makes the pain worse. Positive actions not only help you and the pain but affect the whole Chiair community.

I know it’s hard. I know some days you want to lay in bed and not met the world waiting for you. I know you feel like it is never going to get better. I know that when you go to the doctors you want to hear “your fine”!!!!!!! I know you want to go on that rollercoaster and not have the rollercoaster your life. But only you can change that. Only you can get out and met the world.

It’s time for you too say I have Chiari, yeah it’s hard but I’m strong I’ll fight it. We will be backing you up when you do it.

(I am not a doctor and recommend if you have any medical questions to always ask your doctor for there help. I am just one Chiarian trying to help and support the chiarian Community. In no way are my intentions to hurt or scare another person. I hope too have helped you. With love and support)