Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.
We do have a list of drs here compiled by the members, it is not meant as a referral, but a place to start ur research-
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Chiari-Malformation/LIST-OF-CHIARI-SPECIALISTS/show/1503562
Chiari is a life altering condition, is mis-dx'd for yrs many times...and too many drs do not have a clue how it affects us or what to do for us.
As for surgery not being a help, u have to know y surgery is done....surgery is done to slow progression, and restore CSF flow.....in doing so it may help some symptoms..with the right drs u should have a positive experience overall....but, some of us our bodies may not respond to the surgery as we would like...and there is no way to know. And a good NS should not offer surgery unless the benefits out weight the risks.
Meds tend to not help too much...I did have surgery and am glad I did...I still have issues, but knew that was a possibility, but I am still way better than I was b4.
Not having surgery can cause as much of a problem if not worse of an out come depending on how the condition is affecting u.....
Find a true chiari specialist...just a NS will not do...even tho they will offer to do the surgery...that is when u see the diff btwn experience and ego.
Learn as much as u can about this condition and how it is affecting u.
"selma"