This is for those who have the constant head pressure and some other neurological symptoms in addition, such as occasional trouble with balance, numbness, visual oddities, etc.
"Chiari Malformations are hindbrain (back of the skull) anomalies involving displacement of the tonsils of the cerebellum into the spinal canal. Chiari type I is a quite common malformation, and only rarely needs surgical intervention (only when causing symptoms such as headache or pressure on the brainstem). The headaches caused by a Chiari malformation are often associated with laughing, straining, coughing and sometimes physical activity."
I've noticed that the symptoms of my entire condition (and I have many symptoms in addition to head pressure) are made worse every time I have a bowel movement. If I do have Chiari, the straining associated with a bowel movement could be the reason. However you all should know that this is very speculative and it's only based on my own readings, not from discussing it with a medical doctor.
Other findings on this subject... some of us here have mentioned how exercise makes their head pressure go away for a while, but when it comes back a few hours later, it's a lot worse. That's the same exact thing I've noticed. It's conceivable that exercise-induced endorphins can mask the sensation for a while, but once that goes away, head pressure gets worse. Strenuous physical activity can apparently aggravate the headaches caused by Chiari.
From recent readings, neck strain also makes Chiari symptoms worse.
I don't know if I have Chiari, but it is beginning to look like a very depressing possibility. The fact that I have neurological symptoms in addition to head pressure is very worrying. It could suggest, if I have Chiari, that it is a progressive case which is very grim news indeed.
Just trying to alert some of you of this possibility. I know it's scary, but on the flip-side, I have a lot of strange symptoms that don't fit well into any condition, and Chiari has a lot of symptoms in common with other conditions. Even B12 deficiency can mimic some Chiari symptoms. Also, severe migraines and neck/back problems can mimic the condition in some ways.
Maybe if some of you have head pressure due to this condition, my "thinking out loud" here could spur you to look into the possibility... just thought I'd throw that out there. Please no one take my words too seriously here, as I am no expert,
I'm just someone looking for answers.
Post Edited (Batman55) : 10/22/2008 4:04:38 AM (GMT-6)