I was diagnosed with with a chiari malfunction some 18 years ago while I was pregnant with my twins. I wasn't allowed to push at all during delivery because it would have herniated my brain and killed me. The surgery was a major ordeal for me. They said my headaches had a 90% chance if going away but they didn't.. they headaches caused by the chiari malformation did get better with time but the migraines did not. Nowadays they take the arch out of only the top vertebra in your neck to allow your brain more room. When they did my surgery the took the arch out of the top 3 vertebrae in my neck.. for the past 4 months I have woken up with headaches and neck pain every morning without fail . At first I thought my chiari was back but learned that isn't possible.. I've done alit of research and talked everything over with my neurologist.. He is in agreement that I'm suffering from neck instability caused from them removing so much bone out of my neck.. as a result of that the muscles in my neck can't keep my cervical spine in my neck stable and in place. The muscles have become lax and give no support to my vertebrae. Surgery to correct your chiari malformation is most definitely intimidating. But a good neurosurgery makes all the difference. Ask questions about the Type of procedure will be performed and what to expect in your recovery. Do you happen to know how big your herniation is? Mine started out being 3mm and when I finally had the surgery it was out an inch.. pretty serious situation. I still have migraines but the chiari headaches have resolved finally.. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. If you have any questions feel free to send me a message.. I wish I had had someone to reach out to about it and what surgery was like.. sending many hugs and prayers

I recently found out I have chiari malformation stage 1