Decompression Surgery For Chiari

Decompression Surgery For Chiari FAQ

Can chiari malformation come back after surgery?

Yes: There is a small risk of recurrence of a hydrocele after surgical treatment. This is usually because of scarring and the way in which the initial surgery heals. These are patient factors that cannot be controlled but can only be monitored for recurrence in the future.

Is having a chiari malformation life threatening?

Chiari malformation is not considered a life-threatening condition. It can be, however, life-altering. First, are you having symptoms? This is really more important than the degree of your herniation in determining what you can expect or how "bad" it is. How "bad" do you feel?

Is there a cure for chiari malformation?

If Chiari malformations cause no symptoms and do not interfere with activities of daily living, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, medications can be used to manage symptoms such as pain. Surgery is the only treatment that can correct functional defects or stop progression of damage to the central nervous system.

Can chiari malformation get worse?

While some people with mild Type I Chiari may be asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, more significant disease can lead to quite debilitating symptoms. In these patients with symptoms which are more than just a nuisance or which are progressive, getting worse with time, treatment is often recommended.