2 Mos. Post-op Occipital Decompression With No Relief?

Posted by Anneliese on July 06, 1999 at 09:24:40
Hi CCf,   I hoping you may shed some information my way on how patient's outcome after having Decompression for Arnold-Chiari Malformation with Neurological Deficits respond to this surgery?  It has been about two months since my surgery for my ACM still I struggle with the same symptoms prior to surgery.  Dizziness, Severe Headaches, Double Vision, Facial Numbness and Spasity of both upper and lower extremities.  I get very discouraged with my illness not letting up on some of these deficits.
I know there is the possibility I may have to undergo more surgery in the future.  
With such a rare neurological disorder it is hard to find much information on how patients do post operative.  I am told by my neurosurgeon that it takes time to see improvement with deficits. Plus, is it worth risking more surgery only to continue to worsen?
Thanks, Sincerely, Anneliese

Posted by CCF neuro Md MM on July 06, 1999 at 09:48:24
I think you should hang in there as it is probably too early to expect dramatic improvement at this point.
At this stage thr swelling and inflammation fron the considerable trauma of the surgery itself has not fully settled so you should give ay least six months before losing hope.
Every patient is unique so the rate of recovery for another person may not apply to you, I would let things settle down for a further four months at leats and then have a reasessment.