I have been doing some research on the procedures on decompression surgery. I have read where some NS feel removing the herniation . I am pasting part of an article and I am looking for more to post.So here is the first:
Treatment
Symptomatic CM1 can only be treated surgically, as there is no medication that can cause the cerebellar tonsils to assume their normal position. However, there have been case reports of spontaneous resolution of CM1 symptoms and radiological findings. In cases where treatment is indicated, the operation consists of removal of bone from the base of the skull to widen the foramen magnum. It may also be necessary to remove the posterior portion of the C1 lamina, depending on the level of tonsillar descent. There is debate among neurosurgeons regarding the necessity of opening the dura and placing a patch graft in an affort to provide even more decompression. There is also debate regarding the handling of the cerebellar tonsils, including simply removing scar tissue, coagulating and shrinking the tonsils, or physically removing them. Variations on the aggressiveness of the decompression are reported in the literature, with many groups presenting good outcomes and symptom relief.
From the research I have done, this is not an old practice, but a new practice. Dr. Jorge Lazareff (neurosurgeon at UCLA) has done studies on it. I am wavering on removing or shrinking, so I just wanted to share what I have found (conquerchiari.org website):
Yes mine were shrunk, the herination was very large. I have no negative neurological symptoms from this. In fact, I can finally move my neck normally and actually can "feel my feet" again (they were cold and numb before).
I totally agree with JennRN. I wish it would spontaneously resolve. I have never heard of it actually happening. Do you know the size of your Cereberal Tonsils? Adria...That is very interesting. What were the size of your Cerebral Tonsils & how many MRI's did you have? Did you have a second opinion. I am very fascinated in your personal experience with Chiari. Thanks... JennRN said:
I had the craniectomy, laminectomy, and duraplasty. My neurosurgeon also stated that research has shown that CM I can resolve on its own, but then he chuckled and said that he has never seen it in his practice. He is with Mayfield Chiari Center in Cincinnati. He told me that he does not mess with the tonsils because he has seen that by shrinking them, you can develop some neurological symptoms, especially burning in the upper extremities (since they are still attached to the cerebellum). His preference is to open up the space large enough so that it is not necessary. It is very much surgeon preference though.
I know that the whole thing is controversial. I have done very well post op from my surgery which was 5 1/2 weeks ago. I saw IMMEDIATE results as soon as I woke up in PACU. Hope this helps!
Adria, I would love to hear more about your experience. My daughter's biggest concern is her memory and learning, then of course the headaches and numbness, etc. Also, I want to thank everybody for their replies and more inputs and opinions are wanted.