Question Title: Duanes Syndrome Plus and Arnold Chiari Malformation

Our son,Corey, was diagnosed with Duanes Syndrome Plus shortly after he turned 5-months old. Other than normal poor vision problems ther is really no hereditary problems in either of our families. Corey has always had difficulty turning quickly, maintainig balance, and walking into corners of doorways and walls. After a visit to the E.R., we were finally able to get an M.R.I. scheduled and completed. Let us add that we have previously asked his neuro-opthmologist if it would be possible to get a M.R.I. done and we were told that it wasn't needed. Sept.9th of this year, Corey will be 2,and he has just been diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1. We have heard from his various Dr.s that all in all we have but one option,,SURGERY. Is this true?? How dangerous is this type of procedure? We are having difficulty finding anyone Dr. that has done very many of these. Who can we contact concerning who would be the best surgeon for us? Life right now is quite difficult for us. At least now we can go back to the various pediatric developmentalist and show them that our son isn't just CLUMSY!
Thank YOU.

Duanes syndrome is usually not associated with other neurologic condition but it can be. Arnold Chiari malformation is certainly one of these. Most Duane's patients do not need further imaging studies unless neurologic symptoms are present. I suspect all the clinical information was not known by all the specialists involved and this happens. Fortunately you persavered. In general, kids do real well with Duane's syndrome. They learn to adapt and they usually have very normal vision. Sometimes eye muscle surgery is done to straighten the eyes if necessary. I certainly would recommend you follow with a pediatric ophthalmologist or someone familiar with Duane's syndrome.

Regarding surgery for the Arnold Chiari malformation, this is out of my level of expertise. My recommendation would be to contact your nearest childrens hospital or academic medical center and find a pediatric neurosurgeon for a consultation. They could best advise you.

Good luck. This information was provided for educational purposes only.

HFHS MD-JL