Am I eligible for surgery

[Korinick1122]

Hello I just fount out I have chiari malformation and my cerebral is herniated by 5 mm ?

[Michelle_Love]

Some neurosurgeons will operate on a mild 5mm herniation. Many things need to be taken into account, like the chiari symptoms you are suffering! That is the main deciding factor when getting surgery for CM and is held as more important than the degree of herniation. Best of luck!

[selmaS]

  Hi Korinik and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Having the right Dr is key as there is more testing you will need....it is not just your symptoms but if you have an obstruction of CSF fluid...the decompression surgery ( PFD) is done to restore CSF flow and slow progression of a syrinx if one is present.

MRI's of the complete spine should be done to rule out Syringomyelia (syrinx) and see if you have disk issues or tethered cord.

A CINE MRI should be done to check CSF flow.

And do research to know what all the Dr should be looking at so you know when you have the right Dr.....

If you want Drs names to start researching let me know your state to see if we have any on our list for your area.Keep in mind you may have to travel in or out of state so check with your medical INS too!

[Korinick1122]

Thanks for the info the last nuersergeon I went to was so rude !!! So please if you know of any doctors near San Antonio that would be great I tried to see dr David Jimenez but he can't see anyone until September

[selmaS]

  I have a list for TX, and you will have to research the Drs as the list is not a referral nor an endorsement for those listed. Our list is compiled by members of Drs they have been to,treated by and liked.....not all on the list may be true Chiari specialists and you may have to travel to get to one.


TEXAS

Dr. Jeremy Denning
Dr. Richard Jackson
Dallas Neurosurgical and Spine Associates
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas,
Professional Building III,
Suite 220,
8230 Walnut Hill Lane,
Dallas, Texas 75231
Phone: [phone]

Victor Kareh, MD
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
21216 Northwest Freeway
Suite 230
Cypress, TX 77429
281-640-2121

Gulf Coast Brain & Spine Institue
Dr. Peter J. Yeh, MD, FACS
Board Certified Neurological Surgeon
6565 West Loop South, Ste. 450
Houston, TX  77401
713.661.8900
713.661.5535 fax

Dr. David Jimenez
UT San Antonio Health Sciences Center
7703 Floyd Curl Dr. (MC 7843)
Medical School Building, 102F
210-567-5625 • FAX [phone]
Adults and Pediatrics
San Antonio , TX 78229-3900

Dr Dong H. Kim
Mischner Neuroscience Associates
6400 Fannin Suite 2800
Huston, TX
713-704-7100

Dr. Rob Parrish
Methodist Hospital
Huston, TX

Also note- it can take time to be seen by a true Chiari specialist....if your situation is an emergency go to the ER..