
Is Surgery A Necessity To Treat Chiari Malformation 1 With A Syrinx In A Child While Experiencing Neck Pain And Headaches Leading To Limited Activities?

Question: My daughter is 10 years old and was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation 1 with a syrinx. Neurosurgeon is wanting to surgery without opening the dura. I am trying to see if her malformation is requiring surgery and is her syrinx is large and should I worry about it. She has neck pain, headaches, limited on activities she does.
Brief Answer:
Decompressesive surgery is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I examined the MRI images that you uploaded too. I agree with your daughter's Neurosurgeon for the need for surgery.
There is actually Chiari I malformation and associated syringomyelia, and, since there are significant neurological symptoms, surgery to decompress the posterior fossa is indicated.
The choice to open or not the dura still remains in the hands of the Neurosurgeon, I personally prefer to open the dura and reduce the cerebellar tonsils to avoid maximally recurrence.
Hope my opinion helps you. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Regards
Decompressesive surgery is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I examined the MRI images that you uploaded too. I agree with your daughter's Neurosurgeon for the need for surgery.
There is actually Chiari I malformation and associated syringomyelia, and, since there are significant neurological symptoms, surgery to decompress the posterior fossa is indicated.
The choice to open or not the dura still remains in the hands of the Neurosurgeon, I personally prefer to open the dura and reduce the cerebellar tonsils to avoid maximally recurrence.
Hope my opinion helps you. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy

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