What Neurologist take into consideration before electing Surgery

General
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Treatment

Image of Chiari malformation

Chiari malformation

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Mayo Clinic doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologists), brain and nervous system surgery (neurosurgeons) and other doctors treat Chiari malformation.

Your treatment depends on your symptoms and the type and severity of your condition. The goal of treatment is to stop or reverse your signs and symptoms. Your treatment team will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

  • Surgery. If you're experiencing symptoms, you may need surgery. Your doctor may remove a small section of bone at the back of your skull (posterior foramen magnum decompression) or upper cervical spine to make room for a part of your brain (the cerebellum) and relieve pressure on the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. During surgery, the covering of your brain (dura) may be enlarged with a patch, to create more room for the brain and spinal cord. If you have a fluid-filled cavity in your spinal cord (syrinx) or fluid buildup in your brain (hydrocephalus), you may also need a tube (shunt) to drain the excess fluid.
  • Monitoring. If you don't have symptoms or symptoms which aren't clearly related to the Chiari malformation, you only may require monitoring of your condition and regular follow-up appointments with your doctor.
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Would this spinal fluid build up cause constant head pain?

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No only neck and head with contrast

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He is drawing with needle I guess not a shunt!



Abby said:

Could.

Have you had a CINE MRI? CINE MRI measures the spinal fluid and detects if you have a blockage.

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What is CINE MRI?



Deena said:

He is drawing with needle I guess not a shunt!


Abby said:

Could.

Have you had a CINE MRI? CINE MRI measures the spinal fluid and detects if you have a blockage.

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Abby… I’m not sure but last week I had a very long MRI first of my head and neck and the arteries. Then they injected dye and took more pics. After my surgery in nov 2011 I have been fine then in the last month my eye is droopy, I’m weak and I have a continued headache that nothing will stop!

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Deena,

A Cine MRI showed that my CSF was blocked from scar tissue that formed after my original surgery in 2001. It's an MRI that shows your CSF moving up and down your spine and into your head. It's really amazing. Mine completely stopped at C2. They put a pulse monitor on your finger but other wise it's just like having a regular MRI. I would definitely ask to have one. You might not have my problem but they will be able to get a more accurate picture of what's really going on.

Wendy



Deena said:

Abby.... I'm not sure but last week I had a very long MRI first of my head and neck and the arteries. Then they injected dye and took more pics. After my surgery in nov 2011 I have been fine then in the last month my eye is droopy, I'm weak and I have a continued headache that nothing will stop!
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I really need a doctor who specializes in chiari! Do you know of any in Texas?

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Abby you are so much help!!! So many doctors list chiari but when you call their office they haven’t a clue! I have had surgery with neurosurgeon who is awesome but I just feel I really need someone who really specializes in chiari!