Tue Feb 09, 2010  
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UCLA Neurosurgery


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Clinical Programs / Chiari and Syringomyelia Program

UCLA Chiari and Syringomyelia Program Physician
Overview

The UCLA Chiari and Syringomyelia Program offers comprehensive diagnostic and state-of-the-art treatment options for patients with Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. Our specialists have evaluated and treated more than 1000 patients over the last two decades. Infants and young children with Chiari malformations are treated by the UCLA Pediatric Neurosurgery Program.

Diagnostic Services

  • Clinical evaluation by neurosurgeons with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.
  • Our program uses a multidisciplinary team approach, with experts in neurosurgery, neurology, and rehabilitation. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to evaluate the anatomy and physiology of the base of the skull and the spinal cord. This includes the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid movement using high-resolution 3 Tesla MRI scanners.

Treatment Services

  • Minimally invasive surgical management
    • Posterior fossa decompression operations are routinely performed at UCLA with excellent outcomes
    • Transoral odontoidectomy is offered for patients with platybasia or odontoid invagination
  • Neuroendoscopy. We have expertise in the endoscopic management of hydrocephalus or arachnoid cysts causing Chiari malformation
  • Shunt Placement. Our neurosurgery specialists use state-of-the-art techniques and devices, including programmable valves, for the management of syringomyelia cases not treatable by posterior fossa decompression.