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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Chiari malformation/syrinx
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Chiari malformation/syrinx
by Booboodel, Jun 19, 2006 12:00AM
I am 45 female. I have surgery scheduled to correct a Chiari malformation. I have only had symtoms since January 2006. My symtoms are the following: swelling/numbness/pain/burning in arms, tightness/choking in neck and throat, headache/tingling in back on head, swelling/numbness/buring in legs, depth perception promblems, ringing in ears and jerking while sleeping. The syrinx extends for C4 to T1. I also have spondylosis of C4-5 with foraminal stenosis. The surgery seems so invasive. I need to be back at work 10 days after the surery. Could I reschedule surgery till May 2007? I greatly appreciate your help.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Jun 22, 2006 12:00AM
I cannot give you a formal medical opinion over the internet unfortunately, so I cannot tell you whether you can reschedule the surgery or not.
Its important generally to be careful what symptoms you attribute to the Chiari - many times they are asymtpmatic and surgery does not help the symptomsm which are caused by something else. There shoud be evidence of lower brainstem malfunction such as motor or sensory symptoms in the extrmeities, clumsiness, vertigo, swallowing problems. Visual, hearing symptoms, and sleep jerks would be hard to attribute to a Chiari. The fact that a syrinxe is present doe ssuggest that th eChiari is significant.
You will have to weight the risks and benefits with your doctor and come up with teh best surgical or non-surgical plan. What is the current level of your disability and is it worth a surgery?
Good luck
Its important generally to be careful what symptoms you attribute to the Chiari - many times they are asymtpmatic and surgery does not help the symptomsm which are caused by something else. There shoud be evidence of lower brainstem malfunction such as motor or sensory symptoms in the extrmeities, clumsiness, vertigo, swallowing problems. Visual, hearing symptoms, and sleep jerks would be hard to attribute to a Chiari. The fact that a syrinxe is present doe ssuggest that th eChiari is significant.
You will have to weight the risks and benefits with your doctor and come up with teh best surgical or non-surgical plan. What is the current level of your disability and is it worth a surgery?
Good luck
Sue
Thank you.