Hello, Just found this site and have found the posts educational. I was diagnosed with Chiari in Oct. 2009. I was at work and lost function of both arms for several minutes. I went to my primary care Dr thinking it was the Kleppel Feil Syndrom in my neck causing the problem. I was lucky I was sent for an MRI and they discovered the Chiari and a syrinx that runs from C5 to T1. I have to share this because I find this part humorous, I don't think the Dr really knew how to handle the situation. I complained of weakness in my arms and a strange sensation in my head (like in a fog) blurred vision and memory loss. She told me (after knowing I had the Chiari) to calm down find Jesus and go home and read a book. She also told me that everyone dies and not to worry. I really had to push to get her to send me to a specialist and asked her to send me to more than 1 so I could get a second oppinion. She did not want to step on toes so she made me one appt. and I went to see that NS. I saw this NS and he wanted to perform surgery but he had only done 1. I have seen a neurologist he also recomended I get the surgery done. I tried to make appt's myself and ended up in a pain manegment clinic . I really don't have pain I just wanted help. Any way it's been 4 1/2 months I have headaches now and I am still trying to find the right Dr. I have an appt next week with another NS and I'll see how many decompressions he has done. I called on Monday to my PC Dr to get an appt to see another NS ( the best in my area I think) and havn't heard a word yet. I am not complaining, there are alot of people on this post that are suffering alot more than I am. I think I needed to vent some frustration. This condition really sucks!! (excuse my language) I am having a bad week with symptoms have to get ready to go to work and my house is a mess! Oh by the way I am a 47 year old mother of 12 year old twins. One plays competetive softball and one plays drums and electric guitar. I work at a wonderful vet hospital as a tech. I was really enjoying my life (still trying to but it's tough sometimes) until Chiari started to kick my butt. I hope the best for all of you out there, it won't get the best of me without a fight!! Cathy