Amanda McDonald. Neuro-Cranio-Vertebral Syndrome. Filum Disease. Descent of the cerebellar tonsils (DCT Arnold-Chiari Syndrome type I).

Published by ICSEB at 14 April, 2023

Surgery date: 10/01/2023
Filmed on: 20/01/23



Hello my name is Amanda McDonald. I’m 28 years old and I’m from Idaho, United States and I have struggled with symptoms from Chiari malformation for over 12 years.

You know, I dealt with pressure headaches and neck pain and, just you know, dizziness memory issues, breathing problems. Definitely in the last year, it’s gotten worse I was diagnosed 3 years ago and they recommended decompression surgery but it was canceled because of Covid and after they suggested rescheduling. I decided not to because I was concerned about, you know, the complications that can happen with that surgery.

I just kind of waited and I was a part of a lot of Facebook groups about Chiari and someone told me about the clinic here in Barcelona and so I got in touch with them and sent them my MRIs and I’ve just had an amazing experience with the staff and the doctors here. It has just been incredible.

About seven months ago I wasn’t able to walk and I have to use walking sticks. I was in a wheelchair. When I came to the clinic I was in a wheelchair. I could only walk like a couple steps without help and I couldn’t sit up straight and I just felt terrible, like I could barely, you know, carry out a conversation because just the overstimulation of like talking to people and noise and light, it was just too much.

But pretty much right after surgery the pressure is already much better and my thinking is much more clear and I don’t get overwhelmed this quickly. Pretty much the day after the surgery I started walking again and I’ve never been able to, like, sit up straight and it’s just amazing.

So, I’m just so thankful to God and for, you know, this Clinic just how much effort and time that they put in the researching this Filum Disease and just that they have a surgery available.

So, I would highly recommend anyone with these conditions, you know, the Filum Disease or Chiari Malformation to come here and yeah just get surgery because it’s really blessed me a lot so, thank you!

Email: [email protected]