Coping with Chiari Malformation

     Our story started August 14,2014 when my son "Jake" received a concussion during PE at school.  He couldn't remember 4 words when I got to the school to pick him up. I took him to the ER where a CT was performed. The Dr. came in and let us know there wasn't any swelling on the brain and his recommendation was brain therapy.  He attended therapy where he repeated the ImPact Test several times.  He wasn't recovering as quickly as was expected for a boy his age.  He was sent to a pediatric Neurologist were several tests were done, as well as an MRI and CineMRI.  He was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation 1.  It has had an impact on our entire family in so many ways.  The CineMRI shows he has blocked CSF Flow this usually requires brain surgery. We are positive and hopeful that when we see the Pediatric Neurosugeon there will be an option that doesn't require surgery but whatever needs to be done we will do.       We live almost 2 hours from where he sees the Dr weekly.  The travel is getting expensive, we have 7 people in our home and only have a large vehicle. The gas weekly gets expensive but his health is much more important than anything.  I am on Disabilty for failed back syndrome from 3 surgeries.  My husband works as well as serves our Country in the Army National Guard. We have health insurance but if surgery is needed we will still be responsible for the remainder.