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My cerebellum is sitting lower than before...

I have Chiari Malformation and I have had 2 decompression surgeries and my tethered cord repaired.  I had an MRI on Tuesday and Neurologist just called and said that I need to see a Neurosurgeon as a consult because my cerebellum is sitting lower than before.  What does this mean?
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

It could mean several things.....one could be that too much bone was removed...and as a result you have cerebral ptosis or brain slump.....it could mean that the patch used sometimes those with Chiari also have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which could lead our bodies to reject foreign materials.....if that is the case our bodies can over produce CSF and force the tonsils down and herniate further. AND...your body could just over produce CSF post op for no reason that is obvious.

May I ask why you had two decompressions?
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Thank you, this was helpful!  I was first diagnosed in 2005...my first surgeon removed too much skull and my entire C1 and partial C2.  I kept having the same issues and then some and was struggling until I found a CM specialist in NY in 2009 and he did a corrective decompression and put in a mesh. I've continued to have issues, all manageable until the last few months. So my neuro decided to run a bunch of tests and that was the outcome of my MRI.  He's consulting with a neurosurgeon and sending me to a urologist as well to deal with some other embracing issues that have just started. So I was just curious as to what/how my cerebellum hanging lower than usual, really meant. The herniation hasn't worsened, just the placement of everything.
So your second surgery was due to cerebral ptosis.....and it is  possible the mesh did not hold everything up as expected.....

Did you have ALL related conditions ruled out?
If you don't mind I wanted to ask you..mesh isn't the same as a plate right?? I also had decompression surgery.and they said my rejected the plate that the end of September..my surgeon told me in December that I couldn't go much longer without a plate . February they did a  3D scan of my head to make me a new  plate but since then .. I haven't been able to contact them they don't return my calls they said I couldn't come in to speak with the doctor I mean nothing and they're blaming it saying I owe the hospital there and I don't I'm just wondering how long can I go without display I wrecked my car the end of May middle name and the other day I went to store and I slipped on slime ...my feet came out from under me.. play again everything's getting worse and I can't get ahold of anyone I don't know what to do I just need to know if it dangerous to go that that long without a plate


Djoslyn- A plate is used the same way that mesh is used , so yes they are the same.....As  for how long you can go without a plate really depends on how much bone was removed during your surgery.....not being a medical professional I can't answer that...but I did not require mesh or a plate after my surgery.
Hi. I just wanted to say that I had decompression 3 years ago and I have a mesh titanium plate. I’ve had issues since my surgery and have been diagnosed with high ICP. Could be due to the bovine patch or the plate, not sure which but I have an appt with a chiari specialist in September and I’ll be getting an updated brain and cervical MRI beforehand so I’m hoping to get more insight there.

It sounds to me like you should find a specialist to help you through this instead of leaving you guessing. I know how awful that feels to a person. Good luck to you
I've been trying to find soneone but with no insurance it's hard and akit of places I call they they won't touch since I've already had the surgery?  I was told about a Chiari center in Wisconsin..I'm trying to find out about them. But thanks yall
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