4 Points to know about Chiari Malformation Surgery

Chiari malformation is known to be a congenital condition. In such conditions, an individual may require Chiari malformation surgery that is conducted with the specialization of a surgeon. This specialist removes a small section of bone in the back areas of the skull to provide more room for the brain. The prevalence of this malformation occurring is estimated to be less than 1 in 1000 in the general population. 

There are several important things related to Chiari malformation surgery that you must know that are described below.

What are the important things that you must know about Chiari Malformation Surgery?

1. Types of Chiari Malformation

According to German pathologist Hans Chiari, Chiari Malformation is categorized into different types such as Type I, II, III and IV.

• Type I Chiari Malformation usually occurs during fetal development, which has specific symptoms like severe head and neck pain, temperature sensation of the arms and upper torso, loss of muscle strength, spasticity, dizziness, and others.

• The symptoms of Type II Chiari malformation include depressed gag reflex, loss of arm strength, downward eye movements, and others.

• Type III Chiari malformation can have life-threatening complications.

• The symptoms of Type IV Chiari malformation include scoliosis, headaches, loss of sensitivity, and others.

2. Diagnosis

In such a condition, a doctor conducts a physical examination and reviews the medical history to diagnose your condition. The diagnosis process may include:

• Sleep study

• Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAER)

• Swallowing study

• Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP)

• Myelogram

3. Steps followed in the Surgery

• Firstly, prepare the patient for Surgery by shaving an inch-wide strip of hair. Here, anesthesia will be used for the Surgery.

• A skin incision is made so that the surgeon can see the top of the spine and the skull.

• A small section of bone is removed from the back of your head.

• After this, the surgeon opens the Dura ( a protective covering of the spinal cord and brain) to view the cisterna magna and tonsils.

• It is optional to reduce the tonsils based on the size of herniation and the damaged and stretched tonsils.

• Next, attach a dura patch of synthetic material or the pericranium of the patient.

• In the last step, the skin and strong neck muscles are sutured together. 

4. Outcomes or benefits

There are many patients who have experienced a reduction of symptoms after Surgery, but in some cases, patients have not achieved symptom relief.

Considering the above-mentioned points, you can also consult with the professional services of Mississippi Brain & Spine PLLC to get more details.