Expert surgical management of Chiari malformation — relieving pressure, restoring CSF flow, and improving quality of life for patients across Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kerala.
Chiari malformation is a structural defect at the base of the skull where part of the brain (the cerebellum/cerebellar tonsils) pushes down into the spinal canal. This blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), leading to pressure symptoms in the brain and spinal cord.
Dr. Ganesh V.L provides expert Chiari malformation surgery in Kochi, using safe decompression techniques to relieve pressure and restore CSF flow — helping patients from across Kerala avoid long travel to metro cities.
Chiari malformation symptoms often develop slowly and can be mistaken for other conditions. See a neurosurgeon in Kochi if you experience:
If you or a family member experiences any of these symptoms, please bring your MRI or CT scan to your first appointment for a same-day assessment.
Bring your latest MRI films and reports to your first consultation. Dr. Ganesh V.L will review the imaging, explain the findings, and recommend the safest plan — observation or decompression surgery.
Not all Chiari malformations require surgery. Dr. Ganesh V.L will evaluate your MRI, symptoms, and progression before recommending the best course of action.
The most common surgery for Chiari malformation. A small piece of bone at the base of the skull is removed to create more space for the brain, relieving pressure and allowing CSF to flow freely again.
During decompression, the dura (covering of the brain) may be opened and patched with a graft to further expand the space for CSF flow. This is added when bone decompression alone is not sufficient.
Many patients with Chiari develop a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) in the spinal cord. After successful decompression, the syrinx often shrinks on its own. If it persists, further treatment may be discussed.
Patients with incidentally found Chiari and no symptoms may be monitored with regular MRI. Surgery is considered when symptoms develop or the syrinx grows.
Frequently asked questions about Chiari malformation diagnosis, surgery, recovery, and access to a specialist in Kochi.
It can be. Symptomatic Chiari causes significant pain and disability. Untreated cases with syringomyelia can lead to permanent weakness or bladder problems. Early evaluation is important.
Surgery does not ‘remove’ the malformation but creates more space for the brain and restores CSF flow. Most patients experience significant relief of headaches, tingling, and balance problems.
Some patients have stable symptoms for years. Others worsen progressively. A syrinx that grows on MRI is a sign that treatment is needed.
Most patients are walking within 1–2 days and go home in 3–5 days. Full recovery — including return to work — typically takes 4–8 weeks. Physiotherapy supports recovery.
Yes. Dr. Ganesh V.L in Kochi has expertise in Chiari malformation surgery and treats patients from Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and across Kerala.
Book a consultation today and take the first step towards expert, compassionate neurological care.