Surgery & Recovery

Deciding to undergo Chiari decompression surgery is a life-altering choice. Our goal is to provide the medical clarity and personal insight you need to navigate this journey with confidence.

Consultation Checklist

Print and bring this to your neurosurgical appointment.

Surgeon Questions

How many Chiari decompressions do you perform annually? Do you use a duraplasty? What is the patch material? What are your specific rates for post-op CSF leaks?

Home Preparation

Wedge pillow for upright sleeping. Front-opening shirts (no over-the-head pulling). Prescription pickup arranged for post-op pain.

The Procedure

A posterior fossa decompression involves removing a small section of the skull bone (craniectomy) and sometimes the top of the C1 vertebrae. This creates space for the cerebellum and relieves pressure on the brainstem.

Restoring normal **CSF flow** is the primary success metric, as blockage is what causes most symptoms like occipital headaches and dizziness.

Surgical Goals

Restore CSF flow at the foramen magnum.
Relieve pressure on cerebellar tonsils.
Halt progression of Syringomyelia.

The Recovery Timeline

Days 1–5: The Hospital Stay

Monitoring for CSF leaks, pain management via IV, and ensuring patient can walk/swallow before discharge.

Weeks 2–6: Internal Healing

Managing "Chiari fatigue" and muscle spasms. Strict 5lb lifting restriction and no driving during this phase.

Months 3–12: Stabilization

Nerve regeneration can cause "flares." Full neurological healing often takes 12 to 18 months.

Find Support

Connecting with others who have walked this path is essential for recovery. Join our community to learn and heal together.

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