Question 1

i got results on my chiari malformation said 6mm below something and the nuero surgen doesn't want to do surgery why?

Accepted Answer

Not always surgical: Not all cases of chiari 1 malformations need surgical decompression.  The surgeon will use your exam and history to decide if you would benefit from surgical decompression.  I personally wait until the patient's symptoms are beyond just headaches since surgery is not guaranteed to resolve headaches.

Question 2

my son was diagnosis with chiari malformation and a 6mm cyst. is this dangerous at least the cyst part? he's 9 yrs old, should he have any surgery pleasehelp

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure: The cyst- are we speaking of a malformation in the spinal cord like a syrinx or some other type of cyst?  If you can find out, i'll be very happy to help you. Many cysts are benign and easy to leave alone.  It does matter on location.

Question 3

what are the risks of surgery to treat chiari malformation?

Accepted Answer

Ask ur Neurosurgeon: Many of the complications of decompression surgery have to do with opening the dura and research has shown that opening the dura does increase the complication rate.  there is a risk of infection and sometimes the patch that is sewn in leaks or becomes scarred.   the brain may slump further into the spinal area in the postoperatory or later.

Question 4

how dangerous is surgery for the arnold chiari malformation in a 18-month old?

Accepted Answer

It is: Chiari described different types of developmental defects of the cerebellum.  Type 2 is associated with spina bifida, type 3 and type 4 are severe defects.  You are probably talking about type 2 associated with spina bifida.  It can cause breathing and swallowing problems.  Treatment with surgery is controversial.

Question 5

how safe is the surgery to fix a chiari malformation?

Accepted Answer

Moderately risky: Chiari decompression surgery is considered moderate risk surgery.  In other words, its not like having your appendix or hernia repaired but its also not like having a complex brain tumor or aneurysm worked on either.  The major risks of this surgery are severe (sometime chronic) neck pain, bleeding, infection, and a small risk of spinal fluid leak.  The more scary risks (stroke) are very rare.

Question 6

how long will it take to recover from surgery for a chiari malformation?

Accepted Answer

A few weeks: Most are out of the hospital in 1-2 days.  You then have to take it easy ( no lifting >10 lbs) for about a month.  Expect a stiff neck for a few weeks at least.

Question 7

how long does it take to recover after chiari malformation type 2 surgery?

Accepted Answer

Depends how complex: Chiari type 2 is associated with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, syrinx, apnea, etc.  Surgery may involve closure of low back, vp shunt, decompression at the neck, among other procedures.  Recovery depends on the initial severity of the problem and the complexity of the procedure.  Complications of bleeding, infection, and wound healing will prolong recovery.

Question 8

i have arnold chiari malformation type 1. i recently had corrective surgery. what are the possible side effects from that?

Accepted Answer

There are risks: With any brain surgery, there are risks or brain or nerve injury, bleeding, infection and even death in rare circumstances.  Specific to chiari decompression, neck pain, CSF leak, and pseudomeningocele formation are also risks.

Question 9

my neurosurgeon my suggest surgery for chiari malformation. i have dizziness and gait disturbance that never goes away. is this a common surgery?

Accepted Answer

It is not uncommon: Depending on symptoms, imaging evaluation (ususally MRI and mr cine to show CSF flow) you may be a candidate for neurosurgical decompression.

Question 10

i was just diagnosed with a chiari malformation and was curious what my restrictions are until surgery and what will it be like after surgery as well.

Accepted Answer

Talk with your surg: Please please please talk with your specific Neurosurgeon nobody knows your situation better and you may require specific instructions in general stop all NSAIDs and avoid stress strain heavy lifting/coughing /valsalva if possible

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

I got results on my chiari malformation said 6mm below something and the nuero surgen doesnt want to do surgery why

A member asked:

I got results on my chiari malformation said 6mm below something and the nuero surgen doesn't want to do surgery why?

A member asked:

My son was diagnosis with chiari malformation and a 6mm cyst. is this dangerous at least the cyst part? he's 9 yrs old, should he have any surgery pleasehelp

A member asked:

What are the risks of surgery to treat chiari malformation?

A member asked:

How dangerous is surgery for the arnold chiari malformation in a 18-month old?

A member asked:

How safe is the surgery to fix a chiari malformation?

A member asked:

How long will it take to recover from surgery for a chiari malformation?

A member asked:

How long does it take to recover after chiari malformation type 2 surgery?

A member asked:

I have arnold chiari malformation type 1. i recently had corrective surgery. what are the possible side effects from that?

A member asked:

My neurosurgeon my suggest surgery for chiari malformation. i have dizziness and gait disturbance that never goes away. is this a common surgery?

A member asked:

I was just diagnosed with a chiari malformation and was curious what my restrictions are until surgery and what will it be like after surgery as well.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?