Chiari Malformation

[Sydney498]

I have had 2 surgeries (1 in MI and another by a specialist in Milwaukee) with the most recent in March 2011.  I am experiencing numbness, balance issues, body twitches; neck and head pain.  I am unable to return to Milwaukee, as I live in Metro Detroit.  I am looking for an excellent specialist as this has been an ongoing health matter.

[Mazie1209]

Hi! You dont need a Dr. referral, its preferred of course (unless ur ins. Requires it?) If you write a letter stating your issues/problems and your mri cds/ reports to the the department of neurosurgery at u of m you can get an appt. I believe the wait is about 4wks to get an appt.
Mazie

[selmaS]

  Can u try to get a Dr to look at it from a diff point, instead of HA's that mayb u have cranial instability or something along those lines...or scar tissue....

If u can get a NL locally to dx u then u should be able to get a referral.

[smego]

I had Dr. Heffez do my surgery and I am also experiencing problems again.  I live in Michigan as well and I am trying to find someone else to help me.  Sounds like we are in the same boat!  To get into the University of Michigan you have to have a doctor's referral, well my doctor just told me that chiari doesn't cause headaches, so I don't think I will be getting a doctor's referral.

[sherimom]

Hi Sydney -
My son had his surgery in Milwaukee by Dr. Heffez.  I was wondering if this is who did yours as well. My son had it when he was almost 16, now at 18 he is again having problems - we did not return to Dr. Heffez.  
He is now seeing Dr. Iskandar at University of Wisconsin, Madison.  I absolutely adore Dr. Iskandar!

Someone else asked why you had the second surgery - I am curious too as my son may have to have a second surgery too.

Sherimom

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

There r several things that can be going on....may I ask y the 2nd surgeon felt the need to do the 2nd surgery and what exactly was done?

We do have a list of the members Drs for u to use to research Drs, the list is not a referral.....

Keep in mind u may not find a Dr near u, and u may have to travel....

  

[Mazie1209]

Hi! Who did your surgery in Mi? I also live, in Mi, but haven't had the surgery as of yet! (too scared!) Sorry you are still having issues,:o(
Mazie