This section deals with questions that a potential patient – or “candidate” for surgery – might reasonably (and probably should) put to his or her surgeon, before deciding whether or not to submit to what amounts to a major surgical operation on the brain. We have not given any answers to these questions because surgeons differ in their approach to surgery and what precise surgical manoeuvres they use. Equally importantly, individual patients differ as regards their internal anatomy and just what needs to be “put right”. Medical risk factors also have to be considered and discussed fully. So too do a person’s social and family circumstances, and emotional needs.
It is not uncommon for the Charity to be approached, for guidance, by people who do not feel entirely at ease with the outcome of a consultation with a hospital specialist. Patients are entitled to ask for a second opinion in such circumstances, although seeking multiple opinions may create more doubts and uncertainties, particularly if seemingly conflicting advice is offered. Before looking elsewhere, it might be reasonable for a patient to ask for another appointment with his or her specialist and then to ask some specific questions, particularly if surgery is being proposed. It is important to realise that not all Chiari malformations or syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more cavities require surgery but that it may be advisable in some cases. Furthermore, the indications in children can be different from those in adults.
The Ann Conroy Trust considers that patients can reasonably ask the following questions of their neurosurgeon. Indeed, these same questions could be asked of any surgeon proposing a surgical procedure of any type.
Most neurosurgeons with experience in treating Chiari would be quite happy to answer such questions.
If you still feel uncomfortable after asking these questions, you are entitled to seek a second opinion, particularly regarding such an important matter. The neurosurgeon may well be quite happy to make such a referral, but otherwise the GP should be approached with this request.
