May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Brain and Nervous System Chiari Brain Malformation, still in pain after Decompression surgery
Chiari Brain Malformation, still in pain after Decompression surgery |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I had chiari brain malformation decompression surgery 2 years ago. It helped my headaches some, but they are still very persistent and chronic. I have literally tried everything, from muscle injections to the back and neck, to many different physical therapists, to different medications. My main question is, could there be any complications from surgery that have caused my symptoms to persist? My most aggravating symptoms are, I get strong headaches from movement, walking or driving. I get strong headaches from light and noise. I feel like my nerves are over sensitized. Could the CSF be leaking slightly and causing headaches? Do you know what types of questions i could ask the doctor, or any types of tests I could get done? Thank you so much for any advice, its so greatly appreciated! Dear Laura: Decompression surgery for Chiari Malformations does not always result in complete resolution of symptoms. It is unlikely that a surgical complication is the cause of your persist symptoms. A more likely scenario is that this is the natural course of your disease. Another possibility is that a shunt was used in your decompression surgery which has now become blocked. A CT scan/MRI of the brain should be able to tell if this is the case. If the shunt is blocked you would require another procedure to unblock it or place a new shunt. Lastly, there is the slight possibility that your headaches are being caused by some other condition such as Migraine headaches. This would be a diagnosis made after the more likely causes are ruled out. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 May 2010 ) |
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