I resently went to a neurosurgeon who said my 5mm was boarder line chiari. He said there is only a 40% chance surgery would help. But said he would do the surgery because of my symptoms. He said it may be larger than what my MRI shows. So he is leaving the decision to me. I have headaches almost daily, migraines, tingling in hands and feet, sharp pains in arms, hands and back. Also head pressure, neck and back pain, ringing in ears, and some vision problems, etc. I was just wondering if anyone else had a small herniation with similar symptoms and had the surgery done. Any help will be appreciated!
My herniation was between 8-10mm (depending on who was reading the MRI). I found great relief from surgery personally. It's really a touch decision to make. I would make sure all associated conditions (the ones Abby mentioned above) are ruled out or treated before opting for surgery if you are on the fence. Many of the "failed" decompressions are due to the patient actually having a co-existing condition. Good luck and I hope you find relief soon!
Thanks guys so much! I will ask my doctor about the co-existing condition.
I was very boarder line but the symptoms were so hard to live with.It is something that no one can tell you what is best for you,it all comes down to how much you can tolerate.Mine went on for so many years with very little relief I was glad to find out what the diagnosis was.It still took 8 months to make the decision to get decompression,even though it’s been a long recovery I would do it again if I had to live as I did before.There’s dysautonomia symptoms for me too but they are not as bad as my life before,but it is one of many bumps on the road to recovery,it’s not easy after surgery but for myself it was the right decision for me.Herniation is not what matters most,symptoms are the best measure for patients.The other main thing is to choose the right specialist in the chiari field one that does lots of surgeries.
Thanks Lynn!
I have been giving this a lot of thought and prayer. Over the past yr. my symptoms have increased bad and I’m scared without surgery they are only gonna get worse. But on the other hand surgery is so scary! It has taken me yrs to find good doctors and I know it’s time for me, just have to get over the fear. I’m waiting now to hear back from my neurologist before I decide for sure. Wanna make sure there isn’t anything else we can try before doing the surgery. Again, thank you! Helps to talk to someone who was in a similar situation that did have the surgery and found some relief.
Thanks, Christie
Lynn Messer said:
I was very boarder line but the symptoms were so hard to live with.It is something that no one can tell you what is best for you,it all comes down to how much you can tolerate.Mine went on for so many years with very little relief I was glad to find out what the diagnosis was.It still took 8 months to make the decision to get decompression,even though it’s been a long recovery I would do it again if I had to live as I did before.There’s dysautonomia symptoms for me too but they are not as bad as my life before,but it is one of many bumps on the road to recovery,it’s not easy after surgery but for myself it was the right decision for me.Herniation is not what matters most,symptoms are the best measure for patients.The other main thing is to choose the right specialist in the chiari field one that does lots of surgeries.
Hi Christie. I have a 6 mm herniation and I am very symptomatic…however, the doctor won’t do surgery because he said my CSF flow is good. The main reason they do surgery is to restore flow to the brain. The only way to know if your flow is obstructed is to have a CINE MRI done. Have you had one done and if so, what did it show?
I was actually surprised when mine came back normal. I thought for sure I had an obstruction since I have so many symptoms. Like everyone else has said, also remember to get tested for chiari related conditions before surgery because that will make a difference. EDS, POTS, Tethered Cord, Syringomyelia…
I wish you luck and strength!