A Note from Dr. Dan Heffez, Medical Director of the Wisconsin Chiari Center
Welcome to our website!
The goal of the Wisconsin Chiari Center is to bring the most relief possible to those suffering from Chiari malformation and its related disorders through accurate diagnosis and careful treatment selection. I have focused my attention during the last fifteen years on the Chiari malformation trying to understand the underlying neurological problem that is responsible for the many symptoms that patients report. As a result, we have developed a neurological approach to the diagnosis of Chiari rather than one simply based on MRI images. We have assembled an experienced staff of medical specialists and developed unique diagnostic tools. In doing so, we have been able to identify many patients who have gone undiagnosed or who have been misdiagnosed with other disorders. More importantly, we have been able to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Many patients who have sought my help over the years have learned through their frustrating experiences that neurological problems can be very difficult to diagnose. Our typical patient has been ill for 8 years and has sought the help of 10 or more medical specialists.
From our patients’ experiences, we have learned just how frustrating it can be to deal with the medical system. The Wisconsin Chiari Center is different.
By simply listening to our patients' we have learned as much about the brain from them as they have learned about the brain from us. No complaint is disregarded.
Our evaluation of each and every patient is comprehensive and time-consuming. The end result is the best possible recommendation regarding treatment. This website has been developed to educate you about the ways we can specifically address your needs.
Thank you very much for visiting our website!
Sincerely,
Dan S. Heffez, MD, FRCS
