How to treat chiari 1 malformation in a 13 years old child?
Patient: My son 13 year old son has been diagnosed with a chiari 1 malformation. His symptoms are, severe lethargy, head aches, blurred vision, dizziness, ringing in his ears, and chest pains. The doctors we have seen are still running lots of tests as they do not think the chiari is responsible for all of his symptoms. From research I have done, all his symptoms are consistent with a chiari malformation. I am feeling very frustrated as it breaks my heart to see my son in pain and not living a normal teenage life. I would appreciate your opinion Doctor: Hi, If I were your treating Doctor for this case, I would come up with three surgical possibilities for relief pressure on the brain and spinal cord, these include:1.Posterior fossa decompression surgery. This 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. The surgeon also may open and widen the dura matter(hard membrane of brain). That's the firm covering of the brain and spinal cord tissues. This creates additional space for the cerebrospinal fluid to circulate.2.Electrocautery. This uses high-frequency electrical currents to shrink the lower part of the cerebellum.3.Spinal laminectomy. This is the removal of part of the arched, bony roof of the spinal canal. This increases the canal's size and reduces pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing your son good health.