Hi dear! Welcome and thanks for consulting me. I have carefully worked through your case, and realize your mom s health worries. Being your physician, I assure you not to worry as her health issues may be handeled. Now I come to your main question. Yes, surgery involves the removal of a small portion of the bottom of the skull and sometimes part of the spinal column to correct the irregular bony structure (Decompression). The surgeon also may open and widen the dura (duroplasty). This creates additional space for the cerebro-spinal fluid to circulate. Surgery usually results in a significant reduction of symptoms and a prolonged period of remission. It eliminates symptoms in 50% of cases. Surgery substantially reduces symptoms in 45% of patients. But, Symptoms are stabilized in the remaining 5%. I suspect Hydrocephalus in your mom, that is associated with Chiari Malformation. Can you please consult a neurologist for the follow up, who in his office will need to perform a battery of tests during examination and may do some Labs and will come up with a diagnosis. For headache I suggest your mom take tylenol 2tablets per oral twice daily. May she get very well soon and have a wonderful time ahead. Please don t forget to give your valuable feedback and five star ranking, so that I may be in a better position to help you in future too. Go to my profile to write a Review regarding your experience with me here at my Virtual clinic. In future, you may also Ask me a question directly from my profile for better and prompt assistance. Regards! Your Physician DR. HANIF PHILADELPHIA-PA, USA