Hi...I think this is a personal decision, but for me a chiari specialist is a NS that has his whole practice focused on chiari and chiari related conditions.
To go with a NS that does not focus on chiari like this , u will have a Dr that does not do his/her own research in this field.....I prefer that....
The more experience the Dr has the better care u will have from that dr.....u have to be comfortable with that Dr as well as with his ability.
Too many go with NS's that off er surgery and to fix or cure them...if a dr offers ne of this run the other way....surgery is only a means to slow progression and restore CSF flow....and hopefully reduce some of the symptoms. BUT, it is like ne major surgery it does have risks so the benefits must out weight the risks b4 the NS offers the surgery, and u have to know it is possible for ur body to respond poorly...to meds or the surgery itself....we all have to be patient and allow our bodies to heal.....this is not instant...and will take some time ....and during healing we may experience a resurgence of symptoms...not as bad as b4 surgery, but as the nerves heal they can mis-fire and be over active....and it can take up to 2 yrs for them to fully heal.
We do have a list of Drs that was compiled of the names of the members Drs they have been to and liked.....u still have to research the drs and we suggest u see a few to compare.....the list is not a referral.
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological%20Disorders/DOCTORS-LIST-FOR-CHIARI-SYRINGOMYELIA/show/1062?cid=186
"selma"