Many individuals experiencing headaches may have an underlying condition that can lead to serious problems such as seizures, urinary incontinence, and lifelong disability. Doctors often confuse this condition, known as Chiari malformation, which affects one in every thousand people, with stress-induced headaches. Chiari malformation occurs when the lower part of the brain is pushed down from the skull toward the spinal canal. While the severity of the condition varies, in some cases, it can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, resulting in difficulty with daily activities such as walking and using the toilet. Additionally, Chiari malformation can also trigger life-threatening seizures.

In a video viewed by over 27,000 people on Instagram, Dr. Elbary explained how to recognize if headaches are a sign of this condition. Clear symptoms include acute attacks in addition to chronic headaches. “If your headaches intensify when you sneeze, bend, or cough, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, swallowing issues, neck pain, nausea, insomnia, and sometimes depression, it may be necessary to take this condition seriously,” stated Dr. Elbary, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent headaches and additional symptoms.

Dr. Elbary emphasized that the lack of MRI scans hinders the diagnosis of the disease, which is often left undetected until adulthood, particularly conditions like Chiari malformation. Many patients are left untreated due to the absence of MRI scans used in diagnosing this disease. Dr. Elbary added that the treatment for the disease focuses on managing symptoms, although surgical intervention is sometimes necessary.

One of the most severe complications of Chiari malformation is the development of fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord, known as syringomyelia. If left untreated, this condition can harm the spinal cord. Patients may experience difficulties using their hands, walking, pain, and bladder control problems.

Seizures triggered by Chiari malformation can start suddenly without warning, posing a serious risk of injury. Dr. Elbary stressed that this is a “very rare but potentially dangerous” complication.

Many individuals receive a diagnosis of Chiari malformation after years of struggling with hidden health problems. Charlie Rolstone experienced symptoms such as migraines triggered while watching TV or looking at his phone, as well as severe motion sickness. Rolstone ignored these symptoms, thinking they would “disappear as he grew older.” When Rolstone was hospitalized feeling unwell, he was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, expressing that he felt a sharp pain at the back of his head when he coughed, symptoms that he had previously dismissed as “normal.”

Remembering that your headaches and other symptoms could be a sign of an underlying illness and seeking medical attention immediately when you notice changes in your symptoms is essential for your health. Dr. Elbary stated that the early diagnosis of rare but potentially dangerous conditions like Chiari malformation significantly facilitates the treatment process.