Chiari malformation....

aeauooo · May 29, 2008

Type I or Type II?

It's been a very long time since I've cared for someone s/p Chiari malformation release, but as I recall, they usually do very well.

I suspect that your most serious post-op complaint will be muscle spasm and pain.

FWIW, I think you're way ahead of the game by finding a neurosurgeon you like and trust.

Here's the link the the NINDS Chiari malformation information page:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/detail_chiari.htm

Good luck!

morte, LPN, LVN · May 30, 2008

sent you a pm

TazziRN, RN · May 30, 2008

A man who works with my hubs and son has a daughter who had the surgery last summer, and she's doing great. She still has headaches but nothing like what they were before.

Trauma Columnist · May 30, 2008

The hospital stay will depend on several factors none of which we can predict. I would say that you are going to need to ask your physician. Good luck.

Sandy_dfw · Jun 30, 2008

I was diagnosed with Chiari in Feb 2002, was decompressed on Jan 17, 2003. I remember that day every year because that is the day I got my life back. Pre surgery and post surgery were like night and day to me.

Sandy

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2008

Just looking for any success stories from people who have had the chiari surgery OR nurses who have assisted with the surgery. I am NOT looking for medical advice, as i have found a wonderful neurosurgeon. I was diagnosed with chiari a couple weeks ago and am very thankful that i FINALLY have an answer as to WHY i have suffered from severe headaches for 27 years!! But at the same time i am a little nervous about having the surgery....just something about a surgeon being so close to my brain that scares me!! I would appreciate any info anyone has to share on this topic, i am escpecially anxious to know what the average hospital day stay is. I forgot to ask that at my last appt. I will know June 4th what day my surgery is.
Thanks for any info.
Denise:nurse:

BUT, since you've gotten this far....I've met a few people who have had the surgery for the Chiari 1 malformation. One was a woman, and one was a child under two. Both had successful surgeries in Virginia. That's great you finally have a reason behind the headaches/Migraines. Good luck! :up:

Sandy_dfw · Jun 30, 2008

I agree with MassED, congrats on having a reason for the headache, hopefully they will be gone soon.

Here is the way my neurosurgeon explained Chiari's to me.

Take a frog and put him into boiling water and he will jump out.

Take that same frog and very slowly heat the water over and extended time and he will not know that he is slowly boiling.

With Chiari's there is many symptom's, some minor, some not. When you have a successful decompression surgery quite often symptoms you did not even notice you had go away. The migraines are the most noticeable and the most painful.

I can not even explain how much better I felt post surgery.

My hospital stay was 5 days, 2 of those in ICU, 2 weeks bed rest, off work for 2 months.

luvmy2angels, I wish you the best of luck in your surgery and recouperation.

Sandy