I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari 1 with syringomyelia 7 years ago and underwent decompression surgery. Since then many of my symptoms lessened but have still persisted (numbness and temperature control mainly) which they said would be normal. I am wondering if a persistent runny nose can be related to this syndrome. I have for years had a runny nose which has been intermitten. Maybe bother for a few days and then clear up, back and forth. For the past few months it seems to be almost non stop. The only thing I have been treated for is allergies (dust mites) with allegra and the like. None have given much relief. Does anyone have any input on my question. As with most of you, my insurance covers very little until I have spent thousands, and I'm not willing to spend the money on a runny nose unless I think it is related to a more serious condition. Thanks for your input.

Hello, I have Chiari I, Syringomyelia, Pseudotumor Cerebri and Empty Sella Syndrome. I have not had the surgery as my case is mild. I have heard that the Empty Sella can cause a chronically runny nose. I have had one of those for years, have been tested for allergies and have no allergies. So after looking back I would guess that mine is from the Empty Sella condition or the PTC either one. If you are having increased pressure within the skull the pressure is said to cause it. In case you are not sure, Empty Sella is basically a flattened pituitary, in most cases the pituitary still functions normally, it just is flat on an MRI scan you can see it. It can be congenital as Chiari is or caused by a tumor on the pituitary or from chroinically raised intracranial pressure. Hope this helps. Chiairi3

Please be aware of the fact that occasionally empty sella syndrome may be associated with a leak of CSF into the sinuses and then out through the nose. Features that are suspicious for this would be a gush of clear, colorless fluid from the nose when sitting up after lying down for a while. And sometimes the ability for the fluid to continue dripping in certain positions. The fluid may instead run down the back of the throat instead of out through the nose. It typically is described as having a salty taste, and unless it is infected, it should be clear and identical in consistency with water. I have treated a number of patients with this condition who were mistkenly though to have allergies, colds, etc. The danger of this is that if fluid can leak out, bacteria can potentially get into the central nervous system and cause meningitis. Yet, some individuals with documented CSF leaks may have them for years without such a complication. If your runny nose fits this description, I would recommend that you consult with a neurosurgeon, who can perform tests than can confirm whether or not the fluid is CSF, and if it is, you should discuss the option of treatment (which usually requires surgery).

Sorry - in my post I used the abbreviation CSF without explaining that it stands for CerebroSpinal Fluid - the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

I have heard that it can be from Chiari I. The Chiari One website has sinus problems in their symptoms list. They have the most complete symptoms list I have seen. Just type Chiari One as one word. It is a .org

remember dont assume everything is Chiari related . It may be your sinuses .Tis the season. if this has lated more than 5- 7 days see your Doctor.

Hello I was diagnosed with Chiari 1 Malformation just prior to Xmas. I had numbness loss of sensation and coordination down my entire left side. 2mri and a CT later they couldnt find any cause but founf chiari 1 malformation. Over the past few weeks I have been pretty good with the exception of a weird salty taste down the back of my nose/throat and then yesterday I had the worst day couldn't stand up without losing my balance and the head pain/pressure was horrible. The worst part was this taste all day dripping down the back of my nose and throat could I have been misdiagnosed with Chiari when I actually have a spontaneous CSF Leak? Or I read that the pressure can create a csf leak? Any help would be appreciated I live in Australia and the knowledge of Chiari here by Neuros is not that great I am afraid :-(. Thanks for reading Viksta

spainal fluid tastes salty you need to get checked out Viksta

Sorry to hear you are having trouble. I have the same clear liquid too but it to me with all my symptoms is a new normal. Yes it does sound like it could be the Chiari causing problems but know that a lot of the times Chiari is a multi-faceted disorder with other disorders in combo with it. EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) {no you do not have to have stretchy skin to have it either or be hypermobile there are many forms of it} Go to EDNF to read them. It is seen in combo a lot with it which can cause CCI (cranio-cervical instability). CCI can cause a lot of symptoms, headaches, etc. like chiari when it might just be the CCI. Also there is TC (tethered cord), SM (syringomyelia) and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) which is seen alot with the EDS and Chiari. Please feel free to ask me anything.

This very interesting. The last couple of years I have been dealing with terrible sinus issues. I have chalked it up to allergies since I do have animals. I deal with the runny nose every morning for a couple of hours after waking. It is always clear. Throughout the day I have drainage. It has even woken me up in the middle of the night. I spend half an hour clearing my nose before getting back to sleep. I will mention this to my neurosurgeon next week. I have tried many allergy medication without to much relief. Our bodies are so uniquely made. i have a feeling I will have several test ahead of me after meeting with my neurosurgeon but if this is part of my problem with my nose hopefully I can get some reliefe. I was diagnosed with C M I by MRI this year so I am just beginning this journey.