Sleep paralysis

I'm usually not one to try to find rational explanations for things that seem paranormal or otherwise, but I cam across a discussion today that shed some light on something that's happened to me a lot. Now, I have a name for it: sleep paralysis. Like other symptoms, I had no idea it was Chiari related. (Clarification: for me it's probably Chiari related. Other people can have it, too.)

So heres the scenario...

I'm lying there in bed and am half awake, half asleep. Only, I can't move. I'm aware of everything that's going on around me but my body is breathing regularly, like I'm asleep, and my eyes are closed. It's a totally terrifying feeling. Sometimes, it will feel like my body is floating up towards the ceiling.

I thought I had just perfected astral projection. But, apparently, it is sleep paralysis.

Here is your link for more information on the topic: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis

So why does this happen? More symptoms having to do with the blocked flow and crowding in the brain. It's amazing what all that stuff is causing.

It's apparently not dangerous or anything, although I am usually hit with a severe headache when I come out of it. Not that the headache is anything new, though.

If Not Surgery

Nobody REALLY wants to have their brain operated on. So what are your options if you don't have the decompression?

Here are some of the things that I have tried:

- Topamax
- Lamictal
- Maxalt (for headaches)
- Gabapentin (for nerve pain)
- Amitriptilyne (for nerve pain)
- Klonopin (when they thought it was anxiety)
- Celexa (when they thought it was depression)
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractor


Some of these worked for a little while. Some didn't work at all. The last dose of PT actually made it worse. From the online world, I have found that some people use Lyrica and have had mixed results.

Basically, you're treating the symptoms. You might be able to find something that helps the headaches. Or, you might be able to find something that helps the nerve pain. If you're having really troublesome symptoms like trouble swallowing, vasovagal syncope, memory loss, or cognitive issues then there doesn't seem to be anything out there that helps. You can't change your fluid flow without surgery.

Decompression surgery does not cure Chiari but it can help manage the symptoms. If you have a syrinx then it might even be necessary.