Rebecca’s Brain Surgery

In 1996 I was the passenger in a high speed multi-vehicle accident on highwy401 near Woodstock Ontario.  I suffered minor injuries to my hand, my head and whiplash.  And I didn’t realize that this is when my symptoms first started. My best friend and high schoool sweetheart Dougas Simon died instantly.
In those years since that accident I have graduated college for architectural technology, married Scott Mumford and had 3 children, Jessica, Colin and Jeremiah.
I have been accepted into the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada’s Syllabus Program to get my Professional Diploma in Architecture. (equivalent to Masters Degree).   It’s was during the frequent Trips to Edmonton for design studios that my symptoms first started getting really bad.   Driving on the highway with bumps and frost heaves caused me great pains in my shoulders, neck, head and gave me vision problems.  Tingling finders, toes and the end of my nose, numbness in my left foot and my face.  Than the headaches and ringing in my head (tinnitus) started, something that has never gone away.  So many more symptoms that  MRI’s of my neck and head have been taken.  Obvious brain herniation was noted but ignored by my Canadian doctor.  I tried for years to get acknowledgement of my symptoms and for what had been noted on my mri report.  I bought my MRI images and had them sent to Dr Bolognese at the Chiari Neurosurgical Center in New York State.  With consultation he has diagnosed me with Chiari Malformation 1 (CM1) and Craniocervical Instability (CCI) linked back to that car accident over 20 years ago.

Chiari malformations (“CMs”) are neurological disorders in which the cerebellum extends out of the skull and into the spinal canal, which in turn blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, puts pressure on the brainstem and spine, and may result in varying degrees of nerve compression, as every nerve in your body passes through this small area.

Craniocervical Instability is a structural defect and vertical hypermobility (back and forth sliding) of the craniocervical junction (interface between the occipital bone and the 1st and 2nd vertebrae) which can lead to a deformation of the brainstem, upper spinal cord and cerebellum (and associated neurological symptoms) due to compression.
Common Symtoms
neck pain
hearing or balance problems
muscle weakness or numbness
dizziness
difficulty swallowing or speaking
vomiting
ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
insomnia
depression
problems with hand coordination and fine motor skills. 

Dr. Bolognese Has stated that I have a 65% chance of getting worse, 35% chance of symptoms remaining the same and 0% chance of ever getting better.
I require Posterior Fossa Decompression surgery through a C1 laminotomy.
A posterior fossa decompression is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the back of the skull and spine. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).  In addition I would have a fusion of my neck  and head joint to stabilize my head.  
I must admit that I am scared as heck, but my prognosis without this surgery looks grim and the possibility of completing my studies impossible.  

Dr Bolognese is the worlds leading expert on Chiari Malformation and is the kindest, most humble man.  And there is no one else I trust to perform my brain surgery.  

More than 1,300 Chiari surgeries performed, with less than 1% incidence of CSF leak since 2003 (0% incidence of CSF leak since 2011, with the new MIST technique)

More than 600 Craniocervical Fusions performed, with less than 1% incidence of Vertebral Artery complications

This condition is barlely recognized by the Canadian Medical System.
Medical references from  and For more information please go to this website:
https://chiaribridges.org

Can also use PayPal to donate:
https://paypal.me/RebeccasBrainSurgery