13 doctors in India — verified profiles, ratings, fees and clinic or online consultation.
MBBS, MCh - Neuro Surgery
Neurosurgery
Dr Umesh Srikantha (MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery), Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery) is a highly respected neurosurgeon specializing in spine surger…
MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics, DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Spine Surgeons
Dr Ramachandran, spine surgeon works as a full-time consultant in Sakra World Hospital. He also visits IKOC clinic HSR layout and Whitefield Brain and spine…
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Neuro Surgery, Fellow in Spine Surgery
Neurosurgery
Dr Raghavendra H (Gold Medallist) is at present working as Consultant Neurosurgeon, at Hyderabad with 16 years of experience. He obtained his MCh Neurosurger…
MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics, DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedics
Dr. Madan temker.D, M.S.(Ortho), D.N.B.(Ortho), P.G.D.H.A., did his postgraduation from Bangalore Medical College, in 1994 and D.N.B. (Ortho) from N.B.E. New…
MS - Orthopaedics, MBBS
Orthopedic Surgeons
Dr. Chandrashekar P is a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon with keen interest in Joint Replacement and Arthroscopy Surgeries of Knee, Shoulder, and Hip. Before joi…
MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics
Orthopedics
Dr. J V Srinivas is a Orthopedist and Joint Replacement Surgeon in JP Nagar, Bangalore and has an experience of 24 years in these fields. Dr. J V Srinivas pr…
MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics, DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedics
He is well trained orthopedic spine surgeon with focus on degenerative spinal disorders (eg disc prolapse) especially of the low back and spinal deformities…
MS - Orthopaedics, MCh - Neuro Surgery, MBBS
Neurosurgery
Dr. K Kartik Revanappa is a Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Apollo Hospitals, BG Road – Bangalore. He also consults at NeuroSpine clinics at numerous locat…
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Neurology
Neurology
Dr. Archana is a Consultant Neurologist at Sita Bhateja Specialty Hospital, Bangalore. Her areas of interest include Sleep Medicine, Immune-Related Neuropath…
DNB - Neurosurgery, MBBS
Neurosurgery
Dr. Abhilash Bansal works as a Consultant Neurosurgeon in Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore. He is widely experienced in various fields of Neurosurgery like Brain…
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Neuro Surgery
Neurosurgery
I completed my surgical training at the PGI, Chandigarh a 3000 bedded multi-disciplinary tertiary referral teaching hospital with case input from adjoining s…
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Neuro Surgery
Neurosurgery
Dr. Arun L Naik was trained at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi where he worked for 7 years before moving to his na…
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Foramen magnum decompression is a neurosurgical procedure performed to relieve pressure at the base of the skull. This area, called the foramen magnum, is the opening through which the brain connects to the spinal cord.
This surgery is most commonly used to treat Chiari malformation, a condition where the lower part of the brain (cerebellum) pushes down into the spinal canal, causing pressure on the brainstem and blocking normal fluid flow.
During the procedure, a small portion of bone at the back of the skull (and sometimes the upper spine) is removed to create more space for the brain and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
● Relieves pressure on the brain and spinal cord
● Improves flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
● Reduces symptoms like headaches and neck pain
● Prevents worsening of neurological problems
● Improves balance and coordination
● Enhances overall quality of life
● Patients with Chiari malformation
● People experiencing severe headaches or neck pain
● Individuals with balance or coordination problems
● Patients with numbness or weakness in limbs
● People with difficulty swallowing or speaking
● Patients with blocked CSF flow or fluid buildup
1. Bone-Only Decompression
Removal of a small portion of skull bone to relieve pressure without opening the protective covering of the brain.
2. Decompression with Duraplasty
Involves opening the dura (outer covering of the brain) and placing a patch to create more space for fluid flow.
3. Decompression with Laminectomy
Removal of part of the first cervical vertebra (C1) along with skull bone to further reduce pressure.
● The patient is given general anaesthesia
● A small area at the back of the head is shaved and cleaned
● The surgeon makes an incision at the base of the skull
● A portion of the skull (suboccipital bone) is removed
● Part of the first cervical vertebra (if needed) may be removed
● The dura may be opened and expanded using a patch
● Pressure is relieved and CSF flow is restored
● The incision is closed with stitches
The procedure usually takes around 2–3 hours depending on complexity.
Patients are usually monitored in the hospital, sometimes in an intensive care unit (ICU), immediately after surgery.
Recovery may take several weeks to months. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow medical guidance. Regular follow-ups are important to monitor healing and symptom improvement.
● Infection
● Bleeding
● Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
● Swelling or fluid collection
● Nerve damage
● Need for additional surgery
Although complications can occur, the procedure is generally effective in relieving symptoms when performed by experienced neurosurgeons.
Foramen magnum decompression directly addresses the structural cause of pressure at the base of the skull.
Other treatments like medications may help manage symptoms but cannot correct the underlying problem. Surgery is often recommended when symptoms are severe or worsening and is considered the most effective long-term solution for Chiari malformation.
It is used to treat conditions like Chiari malformation that cause pressure at the base of the skull and affect the brain and spinal cord.
The surgery is done under general anaesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Some discomfort may occur during recovery.
The procedure usually takes about 2–3 hours, depending on the complexity.
Most patients need only one surgery, but additional procedures may be required in rare cases.
It is generally safe when performed by experienced surgeons, although it carries some risks like any major surgery.
Untreated pressure on the brain and spinal cord can lead to worsening symptoms, nerve damage, or serious neurological complications.
Recovery may take several weeks to months, depending on the patient’s condition and overall health.