When is surgery needed for Chiari malformation?

When is surgery needed for Chiari malformation?

You may be a candidate for surgery if you have: An abnormal collection of CSF in the spinal cord called a syrinx. A Chiari malformation obstructing CSF flow (confirmed by cine MRI) and is causing severe or worsening symptoms.

How common is surgery for Chiari malformation?

Conservative estimates suggest Chiari malformation occurs in approximately 1 person out of every 1,000.

What kind of surgery is needed for Chiari malformation?

For children having symptoms of and who have been diagnosed with Chiari malformations, the treatment is surgery to create more space for the brain and spinal cord.

How does Chiari malformation affect the spinal cord?

Chiari Malformation. In rare cases, a child with a Chiari malformation may have a tethered spinal cord. This means that their spinal cord is abnormally attached to tissues around the spine. A child may need surgery to correct the tethered cord, in addition to treatment for the Chiari malformation.

How long does it take to recover from Chiari malformation?

When symptoms interfere with daily life, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the brain. Depending on your individual circumstances, recovery after Chiari malformation surgery can take several weeks and some symptoms may take up to a year to resolve.

Is there a reason to stop Chiari decompression surgery?

In this paper, the neurosurgeons do not support atlantoaxial instability as the common cause for craniovertebral junction abnormalities and there is no reason to dump the Chiari malformation decompression surgery.

What are the treatment options for Chiari malformation?

Chiari Malformation Treatment Options for Adults About Chiari Malformation. A helpful way to understand your Chiari malformation treatment is to learn about its cause. Traditional vs. Minimally Invasive Treatments. Chiari Malformation Treatments for Adults. The Right Treatment for You.

What are the long term effects of Chiari malformation?

After surgery, many of the symptoms of a Chiari malformation may improve, including headache, swallowing, facial pain or dizziness . But some symptoms, especially those involving memory, muscle weakness or other spinal cord issues, can take longer to resolve, and may not return to normal functioning.

What to expect after Chiari surgery?

Following traditional Chiari malformation surgery, you can expect to be on activity restrictions for 6-12 weeks. This includes limits on exercise, lifting and household activities, which are gradually lifted as your body heals.

How serious is Chiari malformation?

Untreated Chiari malformation type I may result in the development of fluid-filled cavities in the brain (hydrocephalus) or spinal cord (syrinx), which may eventually lead to syringomyelia . This condition can lead to irreversible brain or spinal cord damage.