We live in South Africa and my daughter who is 21 was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation just over 4 weeks ago. She was experiencing pins and needles in her left hand initially which steadily progressed to numbness on the eft side of her body. After an MRI she was diagnosed with Chiari. The neurologist said her spinal chord was paper thin and he could not believe she was still walking
She was placed in ICU immediately and decompression surgery was performed the next day. The operation took seven hours. She was in ICU for 3 nights and then in hospital for 4 nights She is continues to go to physio therapy once a week and occupational therapy twice a week. Dr.Djan and Dr.Mbayane at the Union Hospital in Alberton were the doctors involved and they were both beyond incredible (as were the hospital and staff)
I am curious to know how prevalent this condition is in South Africa and we are happy to be part of a Soth Africa support group