Finding a surgeon for decompression

[ChiariKym]

I live in Southwest Missouri and have recently been diagnosed with Chiari Type 1.  The local physicians have referred me to a neurosurgeon that is somewhat local but he doesn't perform the surgery very often.  I have tried researching facilities and neurosurgeons that perform decompression regularly but have become frustrated when most of the websites seem to list it as an afterthought.  I will go wherever I need to but it seems I will have to make an appointment with all of these doctors to get specific information which isn't possible.  Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Nay_nay11]

Of course! Little Rock is about 3 hours from nwa and that's where my NS is, that may be closer than where you're thinking about now. I see him on the 11th and will get any info like your husband is wanting that I can and relate it to you if you'd like. My husband is the same, it's a huge adjustment for them as well. I hope you find the best one for you! I'm so glad that frustration was so easily eliminated for me and especially living in little ole Arkansas, lol

[Nay_nay11]

Hello! I live in north central Ar and next month on the 11th I see an amazing NS in little rock at St Vincent's. He is head of the NS research dept there and is a chiari specialist along with aneurysms and is specialized in the micro technology that's used from what I've read, and is the most accurate at being affective. I have no idea how far that is from you, but I will update you on him if you'd like? Also, I think there is another doctor familiar with chiari and treating in NWA, but I have no idea of any personal stories or suggestion with him. I wish you the best of luck! Let me know if I can help at all!

[ChiariKym]

Hi Nay_nay11, I have visited the NW Arkansas area frequently for shopping trips with my children.  I  love the area and it is literally just an easy hour and a half drive for us.  I did see them on the list that medhelp provides for people but was a little cautious since they are not listed much of anywhere else.  My husband is a numbers guy so he wants a frequency of decompressions and of a need for repeat surgeries.  I can't convince him that no one has those statistics.  It has just been a process.  I am leaning heavily toward Mayo in MI but might look a little harder at AR.  Thank you for taking the time out of your day to respond I appreciate it.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

We do have a list of Drs that we use to research Drs....however there is none for your state as of yet....we only add the names of Drs once a member here has been to, treated by and liked the Dr....
If you have another state you can travel to with your Insurance let me know.....we may have info on Drs there.

TN has a Dr, and FL....MD, NC, NY......let me know what state you would like to see a list for and then make sure to research the Dr as our list is not meant to be a referral nor an endorsement for those listed.

If we can help with anything else let us know.

[debi1959]

I believe in springfied mo. There is a chiari center. I only looked it up, but did not research it. I was thinking about moving to mo. To be by our son who lives there.