Experience with Neurosurgeon

[Melgirl]

I've been diagnosed with a 1 cm (10mm) Chiari Malformation with an arachnoid cyst growing over the malformation.  I'm symptomatic with numbing/tingling in arms and hands, shoulder pain, right arm paralysis, neck/upper back stiffness so bad I can't move my neck (unless I take Valium of course).  It is affecting my cognition and speech.  My local neurosurgeon took me out of work and obviously recommended surgery.  I've been trying to find a Chiari Malformation Neurosurgeon Specialist and after much researching, calling, emailing, etc.  I've narrowed it down to a few and the most promising is Dr. Vidyadhar Chitale in Marietta, GA.  Does anyone have experience with him?  Good/bad?  I'd definitely appreciate ANY help.  My symptoms are progressively getting worse and I just want to have the best person do this surgery and move on with my life.  Thank you!

[itchyarms]

Here ya go :)

***@****
Tel: [phone]
Clinical Pediatric Neurosurgery
Clinic 730 Welch Rd
Mary L Johnson Bldg 2nd Fl
Palo Alto, CA94303

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[selmaS]

  Do u have more contact info for him?

[selmaS]

  Thanks....if we have him listed at Duke it will be changed on our list.

[itchyarms]

I just wanted to mention that Dr. Grant, who was previously with the Duke system, is now at Stanford - Pediatric Neurosurgery. :)

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

We can not discuss a Dr on the public forum in that manor, but we have compiled a list of Drs the members here have been to, treated by and liked...it may not have ALL the capable Drs out there on it...but we r growing the list as we go.

I am not familiar with that name...all I can tell u is visit with him after u educate urself and see what u think, then go to one u deff know is a true Chiari specialist and compare them...u need to see more then one Dr and u need to know what they should be looking for and what to expect to hear...so u will know if that is the right Dr for u and having the right Dr is KEY !

The list of Drs is in our Health Pages - http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=186