Chiari Malformation Treatment

Leia Chiari Treatment — Intraoperative photograph showing the structures at the level of the foramen magnum. PICA= posterior inferior cerebellar artery. XI = eleventh cranial nerve. A neuroma is seen involving a nerve. The neuroma is the consequence of longstanding compression of the nerve and is seen in 50% of patients that we have operated on.

Some people with Chiari malformation have no symptoms and do not require treatment.

Some symptoms of Chiari malformation such as headache and dizziness at times may be effectively treated by medication. Medication alone will not correct the root cause of the symptoms—brainstem compression. As a rule, when Chiari malformation causes symptoms that seriously impair the patient's quality of life, it is best to consider surgery.

Surgery for Chiari malformation is basically about creating more room for the brain. Surgery relieves the compression of the brainstem and spinal cord and improves the circulation of spinal fluid.

If you are a new patient, please contact us.

2013-02-05 — Operative photograph showing the cerebellar tolsinsl exposed and obscuring the view of the brain stem.

Chiari D — Operative photograph showing the cerebellar tonsils exposed, shrunk by coagulation and no longer obscuring the view of the brain stem.

Inoperative — Intraoperative photograph showing the structures at the level of the foramen magnum.

Chiari Surgery Video