chiari malformation type 1

I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation type 1 5 yrs ago. My symptoms at that time were severe headaches, dizziness, right sided weakness, and slurred speech. I was told at that time surgery was out of the question because my herniation was only 5mm and it had to be greater than 5 before they would do anything so I have plotted along taking care of the symptoms. Recently, my symptoms have become worse. My question is does the surgery help with all of the symptoms and will it help relieve the pain?
Thanks for reading

[selmaS]

HI...I also have chiari and suggest u find a true chiari specialist...the info the dr gave u is outdated...a 5 mm or larger  herniation is not deffinitive info for a need of surgery....u will need a CINE MRI to check for a CSF blockage and overcrowding......

The biggest problem chiarians have is mis informed drs willing to treat on outdated info and not having enuff experience if something occurs that is not "textbook"....

I invite u to join the chiari forum here on MedHelp
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Chiari-Malformation/show/257?camp=msc

selmaS
CL- chiari

[selmaS]

sorry...I forgot to answer ur last 2 questions...there is no guarantee  if surgery will curb pain or eliminate symptoms...but it will help slow progression of the condition and hopefully if u do not yet have a syrinx help keep  one from forming.

Since we r all different we all have diff results from surgery...some extremely better...others worse than b4...this is a major surgery and like all surgeries carries a risk.

There is no cure for chiari...only treatments to help lessen the possibility of perm nerve damage.

"selma"

[paula674]

Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it.
Paula

[selmaS]

U r welcome : )

[moganstacy2003]

Have you tried going to a chiropractor that uses low force adjustments such as Atlas Orthogonal, Blair, NUCCA?  You want to go to a chiroprqactor that uses LOW FORCE!

[selmaS]

Actually it is best for those with chiari to avoid chiropractic manipulations until assessed by a chiari specialist first and then only by a chiro that is well informed of chiari with no manipulation of the neck.

This is what most chiari Drs will tell u.

"selma"