Chiari Malformation Surgery

What is a Chiari Malformation?

For patients who develop symptoms from Chiari Malformations, the primary indicator is the onset of headaches, often triggered by coughing, sneezing, or straining. Other possible symptoms of a Type 1 Chiari Malformation can include:

• Neck pain
• Balance problems
• Issues with fine motor skills
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities
• Dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Speech problems
• Abnormal breathing

Pediatric Chiari Malformations can sometimes be detected before birth through ultrasound. Type 2 Chiari Malformations involve a greater extent of brain tissue extending into the spinal canal and are often accompanied by myelomeningocele, a form of spina bifida where the backbone and spinal canal do not close properly before birth.

Type 3 Chiari Malformations involve a portion of the cerebellum or brainstem extending through an abnormal opening in the back of the skull.

Causes, Surgery for Chiari Malformations

Chiari Malformations occur when the rear section of the skull is too small, crowding the brain and forcing it down into the upper spinal canal. Alternatively, an abnormally large opening in the skull can also lead to this condition. In both scenarios, the displacement of brain tissue into the spinal canal can interfere with cerebrospinal fluid flow, potentially causing blockages and increased pressure on brain tissue or the spinal cord, which results in various neurological symptoms.

Dr. Sina Rajamand is a skilled neurosurgeon specializing in the treatment of Chiari Malformations. The most common procedure for this condition is a posterior fossa decompression. During this surgery, Dr. Rajamand removes a small section of bone at the rear of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord and provide additional space within the skull.

In some cases, related conditions such as excess fluid buildup on the brain may require the surgical implantation of a shunt for drainage. Dr. Rajamand may also need to remove a section of the spine to create more space and alleviate compression on brain tissue.

For a thorough diagnosis and discussion of potential treatments, contact Saint Mary’s Brain and Spine Surgery in Reno to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajamand.