Hi Stephanie,

Chiari malformation is a rare disorder that affects the back of the head where the neck and the brain stem connect. The bones grow together impinging on the brain stem causing headaches and stroke like symptoms. There is a member here named psychmom who has this disorder and she has chronicled her experiences here in shareposts. You can read her introduction here, this posting as a follow up to some changes in medications and this posting was the most recent that talks about the medicines that are working.

Anne Becket is another member who has similar issues with pain in her conditions. You can read about her here.

I hope this information helps somewhat. Online sites are great for getting the information we need to discuss our health with our doctors. They should never take the place of your doctor's solid medical advice.

Take care and stay in touch!

Vicki M