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Neurology (Expert Forum)
s/p posterior fossa decompression surgery
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
s/p posterior fossa decompression surgery
by klz965, Jan 06, 2003 12:00AM
Hi. A little over a year ago I posterior fossa decompression surgery for Chiari I Malformation. Symptoms have resolved!!!!! But now, have almost daily muscle spasms in my neck, starting at base of skull and going down into my left shoulder and sharp pain at the base of my skull, especially with looking up or looking down. I wasn't expecting so much range of motion issues after surgery. I have tried PT and cervical traction. Follow up MRI in the summer showed "broad based extradural defects c5-6, C6-7 with slight flattening of the cervical cord at the c5-6 level. No evidence of cord compression". Could this be the reason for the limited ROM and muscle spasms. My neurosurgeon says that this is something that, unfortunately, I will have to live with. I was just wondering if there is something else to be done? Are these defects at C5-6 and C6-7 significant? Thanks for your reply. Warm Regards.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Jan 10, 2003 12:00AM
It's quite possible that your symptoms could be related to the cervical spine problems, especially if there's a lot of degenerative or arthritic changes in the spine. But it's hard to say as I would have to review the films myself and "broad based extradural defects" is not specific enough to make an accurate clinical judgement. Consider going for a second opinion with a spine specialist, either neurosurgeon or orthopedist to see if there are surgical options for you and bring your films, not just the report. In the meantime, talk to your primary care doc about getting something for the muscle spasms such as Flexeril or Soma to tie you over before further evaluation can be done. Good luck.
