No more martial arts

**Shawarma** · Posted On: 7/24/2011 6:11pm

My friend is a long-distance runner and a pumper of iron. Running in particular takes a shitload of discipline and commitment, so if you're looking to push the limits of your physical capabilities, you could certainly get that done with running in nice surroundings. I would suggest biking, swimming and rock-climbing as well, but the consequences of possibly fainting or feeling dizzy in the middle of those activities is potentially fatal.

Any specific movements bring on your spells of dizziness/nausea? Would help narrow down what sports you could do - my friend is unable to bend her neck backwards without fainting, for one thing, so anything involving that is a no-go for her.

But getting a second opinion may be a good thing. Arnold-Chiari malformation is, as far as I know, usually a congenital thing and not really something you commonly develop from getting socked in the face, unless it was already in place at the time of trauma, in which case you may have noticed symptoms earlier, especially if you've habitually gotten smacked in the face before. Nausea and dizziness may result from something as boring as a common whiplash injury, so getting a second specialist to have a gander at your MRI scan couldn't hurt.

**maofas** · Posted On: 7/24/2011 7:29pm

Assuming the doctor is right, I suppose your ring fight is now out of the question, but what keeps you from training Kyokushin which already has no head punches and just omit the headkicks too?

Otherwise, why not pick up a soft style MA? I know it's not very Budo-y but push-hands is actually pretty fun. Maybe Aikido is an option, though I'm not sure how much the ukemi would jostle your brain.

**budochic** · Posted On: 7/28/2011 4:18pm

Thanks for the replies guys. I had an appointment with a Neurologist yesterday. He has done martial arts in the past and has a Chiari Malformation 1 as well so I felt like he understood where I was coming from. He said unfortunately he thinks no martial arts either. He said it is a severe case (probably born with it but made worse by the martial arts over time). The hit on the head I got a couple of weeks ago just made the symptoms worse and made me go see about it.

He didn't seem concerned about the actual chiari malformation but more about the free fluid that seemed to be sitting in my brain and the overcrowding at the base of my skull. Off for an MRI tomorrow and Neurosurgeon review on Monday.

Otherwise, why not pick up a soft style MA? I know it's not very Budo-y but push-hands is actually pretty fun. Maybe Aikido is an option, though I'm not sure how much the ukemi would jostle your brain

It seems to be that it is not just hits that need to be avoided but any neck strain, jolting etc. I will probably learn more of what I can and cant do as I go along though so I am keeping an open mind for the future.

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 7/28/2011 4:21pm

Pick up swimming. Talk to the doctor about diving in of course, but that will keep you fit.

**budochic** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 1:07am

The Neurosurgeon I seen today wants me to avoid 'aggressive' exercise until he reviews me again. Looks like walking, jogging, swimming etc. are the go for awhile.

Need to get another MRI, this time of my spine, and then see him again. He wants to do surgery but I am not so keen. Anyone had brain surgery before?

**Diesel_tke** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 1:18pm

You could take up Tai Chi if you are interested in still doing forms but still want to practice some type of martial art. Push hands could still be done, but you will probably want to wait on that to see what your neurologist says. Tai chi is also good for helping balance.

Have you talked to your KK instructor about still practicing forms and such without any contact? If they won't allow that, then you will just have to lay that part of your life down. Martial arts is not as importat as your neurological health is. If you have fluid on the brain, you want to be cautious, because you don't want to aggrivate that condition. It could cause, memory problems, blindness, extremity weakness, and coordination problems.

Chiari malformation can cause a lot of different symptoms in different people. But you will get that worked out with your doctor. I've seen cases where surgery was successfull in relieving symptoms, but everyone is different.

Sorry about your condition, but remain positive, and most importantly, comply with the doctors treatment plan. Good luck to you.

**budochic** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 6:58am

Seeing it has been about 6 weeks and I have had all the specialists opinions I am likely to get I thought I would do an update.

I have decided to go with medication for the moment and have the option of having decompression surgery in the future if my symptoms get any worse or my condition deteriorates. They have put me on some medication to decrease the amount of CSF and hopefully this way decrease the pressure in my head.

The good news is that, with my instructors support (and Doctors permission), I have returned to KK and am doing the bits that I can. Obviously I wont ever be able to fight again, or even do any contact work, but at least I can train again.

**Baki** · Posted On: 9/16/2011 1:26am

Try tennis. Take a few lessons or two and just let your frustrations out by whacking that fuzzy yellow ball. It's a great stress reliever. A good 30 to 40 minutes of light hitting wouldn't hurt plus it's a sport that you can play until you're 90! :D