Many people go on to develop Syringomyelia (a Syrinx) in the spinal cord if the CSF is obstructed. As selma said Surgery is not a cure and needs to be a decision that is well thought out, this is why knowing as much as you can will help you to decide the proper decision. The one person you would normally go to for advice is your family doctor or GP, many GP's however dont know anything about CM, this is a sad fact. This is why you need to research not just the CM but the doctor (NS) you chose to treat the condition..
Ray
Hi...surgery is not a cure....once u have chiari u will always have chiari. Surgery is to help get more CSF flow as the diminished flow can cause many symptoms...and releasing the tight areas to allow the flow can let up on many symptoms but it does not go away.
Surgery for chiari is most often elective...in that unless it is life threatening the drs will not say u must have this now.....they may help u decide to...but, it is not considered nething but elective.
When drop attacks, breathing issues begin...u want to seriously consider surgery...but, waiting until this point can also develop perm nerve damage too or the formation of a syrinx....
so a good chiari dr would be able to advise u as to what may be best.....
Do be sure to have him checked for sleep apnea as well.
"selma"