Dr. Anders Cohen Treats Chiari Malformations And Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome

Dr. Anders Cohen specializes in treating Chiari malformations and tethered spinal cord syndrome.
Chiari malformations are structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. Normally the cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit in an indented space at the lower rear of the skull, above the foramen magnum (a funnel-like opening to the spinal canal). When part of the cerebellum is located below the foramen magnum, it is called a Chiari malformation.

Tethered spinal cord syndrome, on the other hand, is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. These attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord.

The minimally invasive Chiari decompression procedures pioneered by Dr. Anders Cohen require smaller incisions, leading to less scarring, less tissue trauma and a shorter recovery period. In fact, some patients can leave the hospital in just 24 to 48 hours after surgery.