Bengaluru, Sep 03: Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, successfully treated a 47-year-old woman from Tumkur suffering from a rare, progressive neurological condition known as Chiari Malformation Type I with Syringomyelia. The patient had been experiencing severe neurological symptoms for nearly seven years and had consulted multiple hospitals, where surgery was considered high-risk due to the condition’s proximity to the brainstem and critical blood vessels.  The Fortis neurosurgery team led by Dr. Vikram TP, Consultant – Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, successfully performed the complex skull-base surgery, providing significant relief from her symptoms.

For nearly seven years, the patient had been experiencing severe neck pain, cough-induced headaches, pain and numbness in her upper limbs, burning sensations, and difficulty in walking, which progressively affected her daily activities and quality of life. A detailed evaluation at Fortis Hospital Nagarbhavi confirmed that the patient had Chiari Malformation Type I with Syringomyelia, a condition in which structural defects force the lower portion of the brain stem to extend past the base of the skull into the spinal canal. 

This displacement obstructs the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, creating a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord. Over time, the condition threatens permanent neurological impairment. Due to the high-risk location near the brain stem and critical blood vessels, several medical centers previously deemed her surgery too complex to perform.

Following a comprehensive assessment, the team of doctors recommended immediate surgical intervention. The doctors performed Foramen Magnum Decompression with Duraplasty, a complex procedure that creates additional space at the base of the skull to relieve pressure and helps restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The procedure was successfully completed in three hours. Following the surgery, the patient experienced significant relief from her symptoms and recovered well. She was discharged after 3 days in a stable condition.

Giving details of the case, Dr. Vikram TP, Consultant, Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, said,

 “Chiari Malformation often goes misdiagnosed for years because its symptoms mimic common spine disorders. Prolonged compression at the skull base can result in irreversible neurological damage if left untreated. Microsurgery in this region is particularly challenging due to its close proximity to the brain stem and major blood vessels. Timely decompression allowed us to safely restore normal flow of the cerebrospinal fluid, and relieve her symptoms while minimizing the risk of long-term neurological damage.”

Expressing her relief, the patient said,

“For several years, constant pain and discomfort affected every aspect of my life. Being turned away by multiple hospitals left me with little hope. The team of doctors at Fortis explained the procedure clearly, gave me the courage to move forward, and gave me back my life. Walking without pain and being free from severe headaches feels like a miracle.”

Mr. Ratheef Naik, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Nagarbhavi said,

 “The successful management of this highly complex neurosurgical case reflects the clinical expertise and advanced surgical capabilities available at Fortis Nagarbhavi. Rare conditions involving the base of the skull demand careful evaluation, precise surgical intervention and coordinated perioperative care. We remain committed to providing comprehensive neurological care and delivering positive outcomes for patients with complex and challenging conditions.”