Recently diagnosed with Chiari 1 Malformation (11mm), by MRI a few months ago. Scan ordered to diagnose severe migranes. Long story short, had consultations with Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, and ENT (diagnosis of maxillary cyst, secondary finding on MRI, having balloon sinusplasty in 2 weeks to drain~gross!). All, including the ENT, say that I should have the decompression surgery. Neurologist concerned, due to the extent of the compression, and stated that he believes the spinal cord is "buckling". I am symptomatic, not just headaches. I have numbness in my hands, feet, pain across neck, shoulders, back of skull, black floaters in right eye, flashing lights, unbalance, vertigo, hard time associating words at times with what I want to say, and other wierd things, such as swelling in right ankle and pain in hips. I feel like I can deal with these sypmtoms, but am concerned about condition progressing, and additional damage being done to my cord. Does anyone know if this happens? Neurosurgeon states that it can be over time, or sudden. Don't want to be foolish and end up with paralysis, but not thrilled about surgery either. Thanks!