2025 Conference Program
2025 Conference Program
PROGRAM & SPEAKERS
The 2025 official speakers and program times are currently subject to change. View speakers here (subject to change)
Monday, July 21, 2025
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4:30 PM — Registration Opens
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6:00 PM – 8:30 PM — Opening Dinner Reception with Entertainment
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8:30 PM – 9:30 PM — Patient Support Group Meeting with Dr. Chris Helton & Barbara Helton, RN
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
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7:30 AM – 9:00 AM — Complimentary Breakfast for All Attendees
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7:30 AM – 8:30 AM — Caretaker Support Group Meeting with Dr. Chris Helton & Barbara Helton, RN
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8:45 AM – 9:00 AM — Welcome Dr. Dlouhy, Patrice Schaublin, Eric Berning
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9:00 AM – 9:30 AM — Paolo Bolognese, MD – Intracranial Hypertension and Cerebral Venous Outflow (Webcast)
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9:30 AM – 10:00 AM — Brian Dlouhy, MD – Chiari 101
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10:00 AM – 10:15 AM — Break
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10:15 AM – 10:45 AM — Michael Levy, MD – Syrinxes Not Related to Chiari Malformations (Webcast)
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10:45 AM – 11:15 AM — Saul Wilson, MD – Pain After Syrinx Decompression and Treatment
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11:15 AM – 11:30 AM — Q&A Panel
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11:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Lunch Break (MAB/BOD Meeting)
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1:00 PM – 1:30 PM — Brian Dlouhy, MD – Craniocervical instability, Occipital-Cervical Bony and Ligament Abnormalities, and CM — Imaging Findings, Presenting Symptoms & Treatment Strategies
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1:30 PM – 2:00 PM — Moss Zhao, DPhil – Revealing Hidden Brain Motion in Patients with Chiari Malformation
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2:00 PM – 2:30 PM — Jorge Lazareff, MD – The Librarian Who Could Not Wink: Genesis and Development of Ideas About Chiari Surgery
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2:30 PM – 3:00 PM — Erol Veznedaroglu, MD – Decision Tree for Chiari Treatment (Webcast)
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3:00 PM – 3:30 PM — Q&A Panel
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6:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Attendees & Doctors Get Together at the Wilder Restaurant
Wednesday, July, 23, 2025
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7:00 AM – 8:30 AM — Complimentary Breakfast for All Attendees
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7:00 AM – 8:00 AM — Caretakers Support Group Meeting
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8:00 AM – 8:15 AM — Welcome Dr. Dlouhy, Patrice Schaublin, Eric Berning
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8:15 AM – 8:45 AM — Anne Maitland, MD – Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: Unveiling NeuroImmune Dysregulation and Abnormal Connective Tissue Homeostasis
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8:45 AM – 9:15 AM — Samantha Schutt, ARNP – Chiari I Malformation and Connective Tissue Disorders (Webcast)
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9:15 AM – 9:45 AM — John Heiss, MD – Update On the Biology, Disease Course and Treatment of Arachnoiditis
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9:45 AM – 10:15 AM — Bermans Iskandar, MD & Jamila Hamden – Familial Chiari I Malformation: Pedigrees & DNA Methylation — Preliminary Results
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10:15 AM – 10:45 AM — Vijay Ravindra, MD – Chiari Malformation & Scoliosis: What Do I Need to Know?
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10:45 AM – 11:15 AM — Vincent Martin, MD – Headaches in Chiari Malformation Disorders
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11:15 AM – 11:45 AM — Q&A Panel
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11:45 AM – 1:25 PM — Lunch Break (MAB/BOD Meeting)
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1:30 PM – 2:00 PM — Safwan Jaradeh, MD – POTS, Orthostatic Hypotension, and Other Syndromes of Postural Dizziness in Chiari
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2:00 PM – 2:30 PM — Petra Klinge, MD – Ultrasonographic and Biomechanical Characterization of Myodural Bridges: Implications for Chiari I Malformation
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2:30 PM – 3:00 PM — Mario Zanaty MD – Intracranial Hypotension from Spinal CSF leaks – Presentation and Novel Treatment Strategies
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3:00 PM – 3:30 PM — Rahul Rastogi MD – Chiari Malformations Associated Chronic Pain & Management.
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3:30 PM – 4:00 PM — Q&A Panel
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5:00 PM- 9:30 PM – Board of Directors and speaker Appreciation Dinner
Attendees are on their own to explore Iowa City
Thursday, July, 24, 2025
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7:30 AM – 9:00 AM — Complimentary Breakfast
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7:30 AM – 8:30 AM — Caretaker Support Group Meeting
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8:15 AM — Welcome Dr. Dlouhy, Patrice Schaublin, Eric Berning
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8:30 AM – 9:00 AM — Meet the ASAP , Board and Staff
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9:00 AM – 9:30 AM — John Heiss MD – Dilated Central Canal / idiopathic syringomyelia, Q&A to follow
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9:30 AM – 10:00 AM — Leah Zhorne, MD – Understanding and Managing Pediatric Headaches, Q&A to follow
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10:00 AM – Break
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10:15 AM – 10:45AM — Dr. Linda Gray Leithe — Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Pressure Disorders Prerecorded Presentation
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10:45 AM – 11:15 AM — Rebecca Reynolds, MD – Spina bifida and tethered cord in infants in Africa – implications for treatment in the United States
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11:15 AM – 11:45 AM — Lance LaCerte Psy.D “The Psychology of Pain”. Prerecorded Presentation
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11:45 AM- 1:00 PM — Lunch
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1:00 PM – 1:30 PM — Brian Douhy MD — Intradural pathology in Chiari Malformation Type I
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1:30 PM – 2:00 PM — Stuart Weinstein, MD — Chiari Malformation and Syrinx With Associated Scoliosis
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2:00 PM – 2:45 PM — Q&A Panel/ Get your last minute questions answered, Dr Brian Dlouhy, Dr Stuart Weinstein
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2:45 PM – 3:00 PM – Conference Ends Closing Remarks
Topics
We are thrilled to welcome an outstanding lineup of speakers to the 2025 ASAP Annual Conference. This year’s presenters represent a dynamic cross-section of thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners from across the field, each bringing unique perspectives, expertise, and insights to our shared mission. As we gather to explore new challenges, celebrate progress, and envision the future, these distinguished speakers will help guide the conversation and inspire meaningful action.
Watch for more interesting topics and speakers.
2025 Conference Speakers
Synopsis: Intracranial Hypertension is often caused by a compression of the Internal Jugular Veins. This condition can be addressed by stenting or surgical decompression. We will present our experience, ranging from diagnostic approach to surgical technique, and surgical outcomes.
About Dr Bolognese: A native of Torino, Italy, Dr Paolo Bolognese graduated from the Medical School of the University of Turin. He trained twice in Neurosurgery, under Prof. Fasano (Turin, Italy) and under Dr. Milhorat (Brooklyn, NY). In 2001, Dr. Bolognese joined Dr. Thomas Milhorat and then co-founded The Chiari Institute. In 2014, he started the Chiari EDS Center at Mount Sinai South Nassau, along with Dr. Roger W. Kula. His Neurosurgical interests span from Chiari I Malformation to Craniocervical Instability, Tethered Cord, Styloid Hypertrophy, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, and Intracranial Hypotension.
Synopsis: Discuss the numerous craniocervical bony and ligamentous abnormalities associated with Chiari malformation and their treatment strategies from the Iowa database.
ASAP 2025 Conference Host: Brian J Dlouhy, MD
About Dr Dlouhy: Dr. Brian Dlouhy is a pediatric and adult neurosurgeon at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Iowa working extensively under Dr. Arnold Menezes. He now works side by side with Dr. Arnold Menezes treating all disorders of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) in children and adults. He also has an active research program studying the pathophysiology of Chiari I malformation and other conditions of the CVJ.
Synopsis: Arachnoiditis is an overgrowth of fibrous tissue within the spinal subarachnoid space that follows inflammation within the spinal subarachnoid space. Each year, about 25,000 people develop arachnoiditis, mainly in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. The neurological symptoms, signs, and prognosis of patients with arachnoiditis are variable and unpredictable. The excess fibrous tissue can tether the spinal cord to the adjacent dura and obstruct spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. Spinal cord tethering reduces spinal cord motion, blood supply, and function. Scarring that obstructs spinal CSF pathways may result in syrinx formation.
Various inflammatory conditions and agents can cause arachnoiditis and influence its anatomical site and scope. For example, meningitis is a condition that extends broadly through the intracranial and intraspinal subarachnoid spaces and usually causes extensive arachnoiditis affecting four or more vertebral segments. On the other hand, spinal trauma typically involves one or two adjacent spinal segments and produces focal arachnoiditis only at those vertebral segments. The disease course of patients with arachnoiditis varies. Patients with extensive arachnoiditis generally have a worse prognosis than those with focal arachnoiditis. Medical practitioners and researchers do not understand the expected course of arachnoiditis well enough to design trials that test new treatments. A better understanding of arachnoiditis’s natural history and disease mechanisms may lead to clinical trials of new drugs and surgical treatments that can effectively reduce subarachnoid inflammation and fibrosis and improve the treatment of patients with arachnoiditis.
About Dr Heiss: Dr John D. Heiss, is a Senior Clinician, the Head of the Clinical Unit of the Surgical Neurology Branch, and Program Director of the Neurological Surgery Residency Training Program at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. He is actively involved in clinical and translational research to improve the understanding and treatment of Chiari I malformation, syringomyelia, pain, brain tumors, and Parkinson’s disease. He is board-certified in neurological surgery and an expert in supervising and conducting clinical trials for CNS disorders. Dr. Heiss received his B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and M.D. from the University of Michigan. In addition, he completed his surgical internship and residency in neurosurgery at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Before joining NINDS, Dr. Heiss was Co-Director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at the University of Cincinnati.
Synopsis: Chiari I malformation tends to run in families in about 1 out of 8 patients, but even after years of research, scientists haven’t found a clear genetic cause. Because both inherited and environmental factors can influence how the brain and skull develop, we believe that Chiari I likely results from a mix of causes, including changes in how genes are turned on or off (known as epigenetics). In this report, we first describe the health patterns and related conditions seen in families with Chiari I. We then present lab results showing clear differences in DNA methylation activity between people with familial Chiari I and those without, suggesting that epigenetic changes play a role in the condition.
About Dr. Iskandar: Dr. Bermans Iskandar is Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, and Director of the Pediatric Neurosurgery program at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. His clinical interests include neuro-endoscopy, brachial plexus reconstruction, and surgery of congenital CNS malformations, especially hydrocephalus, Chiari malformations, and syringomyelia. Led by Dr. Iskandar, the Wisconsin Hydrocephalus Group (WHP) of engineers, physicists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons aims to determine the etiology of ventricular shunt malfunction and optimize the devices used to treat it. As well, Dr. Iskandar directs a translational research laboratory that has uncovered an important link between folate metabolism, epigenetic influences, and axonal regeneration after central nervous system injury. Dr. Iskandar has recently concluded his service as Chair of the AANS/CNS Section on Pediatric Neurosurgery, and Chair of the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery.
Jamila Hamdan: Lead Genetic Counseling Assistant – Medical Genetics
About Jamila Hamdan
In May of 2022, Jamila Hamdan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science dual degree in Genetics & Genomics and Psychology. Since graduating, she has worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, beginning in the Carbone Cancer Clinic and transitioning to the Medical Genetics Clinic. It was in Medical Genetics where Hamdan uncovered her passion for clinical genetics and gained an appreciation for leveraging knowledge of heritable disease to improve health outcomes for patients and their families. She has since been fortunate to support Dr. Iskandar as well as Medical Geneticist, Dr. Kim Keppler-Noreuil in research efforts focused on collecting review of systems data, pedigree creation, and analyzing health patterns across individuals with familial Chiari 1 Malformations.
Synopsis and Key Learning Points:
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Orthostatic Hypotension (OH), and Postural Dizziness are complex syndromes
• Autonomic Testing and other tests are useful in the diagnosis
• The multimodality approach is the most effective treatment plan
About Dr Jaradeh: Dr. Safwan Jaradeh is currently Professor and Director of the Autonomic Disorders Program at Stanford University School of Medicine since 2011. Prior to that, he was on the Neurology Faculty at the Medical College of Wisconsin from 1989 to 2011, where he also served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology from 2000 to 2011. Dr. Jaradeh trained in Internal Medicine and Neurology in Paris and Cincinnati, and completed Neuromuscular and Autonomic Fellowships at the Mayo Clinic, and Neuromuscular and Neuro-rehabilitation Fellowship at the University of Michigan. His research and clinical focus is in the areas of Autonomic Disorders, Orthostatic intolerance, Peripheral and Autonomic Neuropathies, Neuromuscular Disorders, Electromyography, Cranial and Bulbar disorders. He has won several teaching awards at both Institutions.
Synopsis: Myodural bridges (MDBs) provide spinal cord support during head and neck movement, and regulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow at the craniocervical junction (CCJ). Previous studies have associated abnormal spinal cord motion with MDB structural collagen abnormalities in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Chiari malformation (CM1). These findings may translate to CM1 patients more broadly. The presentation will discuss the current research that aims to characterize MDBs in CM1 via dynamic CCJ ultrasound (US) and tissue biomechanical analysis and discuss their potential role in the pathophysiology of Chiari malformation.
About Dr Klinge: Dr. Petra Klinge serves as an internationally renowned clinician for diagnosing and neurosurgical treatment of patients with CSF disorders working on the unifying concept of cognitive problems related pathology in Hydrocephalus of aging and pediatric patients. Her practice also includes patients with associated developmental Cerebrospinal fluid disorders, such as spina bifida, Chiari malformation, tethered cord, patients with connective tissue disorders and associated spinal fluid disorders including syringomyelia and occult tethered cord syndrome. Her research focuses on the pathophysiology and diagnosis of tethered cord and on establishing criteria and clinical biomarkers for surgical intervention in tethered cord syndromes (1-5).
In collaboration with neuroradiology in her practice at Rhode Island Hospital and the Carney-Institute and the department of bio-engineering at the Brown Medical School she develops pioneering and novel clinical and in-vivo diagnostics and pathological studies to improve the management and validation of those conditions.
In the past 2 years, Dr. Klinge has also collaborated with the University of Akron Conquer Chiari Research Center, founded by the Department of Psychology and the Department of Biomedical Engineering on the implications of ageing in Chiari as well as identifying cognitive and imaging biomarkers to support the biodynamic concept of the failure of Cerebrospinal fluid regulation at the base of the skull in adult Chiari malformation. Her research has focused on the failure of “Myodural bridges” and defunct collagen that supports the aspects of CSF circulatory failure at the base of the skull in various conditions including Chiari associated with connective tissue disease and she works on the novel concept of a “Spinal cord motion disorder” that might explain and support occult neurosurgical pathologies associated with impaired CSF regulation and tethering of the spinal cord and brain stem. She had been appointed by the National Academy of Sciences and has served in 2022 in a committee to establish disability criteria for the neurological conditions in patients with Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome as an nationally acknowledged expert for spinal cord disorders and tethered cord syndrome. Selected Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue and Disability | National Academies.
Synopsis: We will discuss an analysis of a patient operated on by Wilder Penfield in 1938. The preoperative diagnosis was a CP angle tumor, and perhaps the search for the lesion led to an extensive suboccipital craniectomy that became the standard for Chiari. Dr Bucy had a similar experience with another patient shortly after. Besides describing the cases, I discuss the significance of case reports in the evidence about optimal treatments for Chiari.
About Dr Lazareff: Emeritus Professor of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery. David Geffen School of Medicine. University of California, Los Angeles. Clinical and research interest in congenital malformations of the Central Nervous System. Currently involved in studying barriers to care for congenital diseases of the nervous system.
Synopsis: Dr. Lance Gerard LaCerte is a clinical psychologist based in Aurora, Colorado, with over 40 years of experience in the field. He earned his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in 1985 and is licensed to practice in Colorado . Dr. LaCerte specializes in diagnosing and treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
About Dr Lazareff: We will explore the complex relationship between physical pain and emotional health, emphasizing that pain is not just a sensory experience but also an emotional one. Through clear examples and brain scan data, the talk illustrates how depression and anxiety can intensify or even create physical pain, and how patients’ beliefs and behaviors—like catastrophizing or avoiding activity —can worsen their condition. This presentation highlights the value of a variety of tools for managing chronic pain. Ultimately, the presentation calls for integrating psychological care earlier in treatment to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Synopsis:
Ligamentous laxity and tissue fragility due to collagen defects are central to most Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (EDS) variants. However, a growing body of evidence points to dysregulation of components of the innate immune system, including mast cells and complement, contributing to increased susceptibility to tissue injury and impaired tissue repair, in peridontal (pEDS) and hypermobile EDS (hEDS)/hypermobile spectrum disorder (HSD). These observations indicate that non-collagen/extracellular matrix genetic products lend to unique connective tissue pathologies and co-morbid neurological complexities. Early recognition and further investigation into these interconnected aspects are crucial for personalized therapeutic approaches to neurological symptomology and spinal cord disorders in EDS patients.
About Dr Maitland:
Anne L. Maitland, MD, PhD is
- the Director, the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Institute, at Medical University of South Carolina, and
- an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology at the Medical University of South Carolina
Her career has long been driven by curiosity about the neuro-immune axis and its dysregulation in disease. She was introduced to the spectrum of neuroimmune dysregulation, as she witnessed the HIV and asthma epidemics unfold in her hometown, in the 1980s. Nowadays, Long COVID exemplifies acquired neuro-immune dysregulation, which follows infection by SARS CoV-2 and impacts 7% of the US population; and, children as well as adults with connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), face neurodevelopmental challenges and heightened sensitivity to environmental exposures, which reflect chronic dysregulation of the autonomic nervous and immune systems, respectively.
In collaboration with Drs. Norris, Gensemer and Patel, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Institute (EDSI) will become a model of innovative care for complex medical disorders, amidst of sea of siloed healthcare.
Dr. Maitland serves on committees, addressing mast cell activation disease (MCAD), Health Care Disparities and Integrative Medicine of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She also serves on the scientific faculty for the Mast Cell Disease Society, the Ehlers-Danlos International Consortium and the Chiari-Syringomyelia Foundation.
Synopsis: Headache is the most common symptom experienced by patients with Chiari malformations. However, there are many causes of headache in these patients. We will review the common types of headaches and their treatment in patients with Chiari malformations
About Dr Martin: Dr Vincent Martin is the past president of the Ohio Headache Association and current president of the National Headache Foundation. He has also been a fellow of the American Headache Society and the American College of Physicians.
After graduating from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Dr. Martin completed a residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in general internal medicine at UC. Dr. Martin was Chief Resident of the Department of Internal Medicine during his fellowship at UC.
Synopsis:
Despite the fact that Chiari Malformations are relatively uncommon within the general population and surgical interventions often yield positive outcomes, a subset of patients continues to suffer from chronic pain that warrants further attention. Today’s discussion will focus on prevalent pain syndromes associated with Chiari Malformations and explore strategies and tools for effective pain management aimed at improving patient quality of life.
About Rahul Rastogi:
Dr. Rahul Rastogi is a clinical professor of anesthesia and director of the Pain Management Center at University of Iowa Health Care. He leads the UIHC Pain Clinics and serves as co-director of the Comprehensive Pediatric Pain Clinic. His work focuses on multidisciplinary, patient-centered approaches to treating chronic pain across all ages.
Dr. Rastogi completed his medical degree at Sawai Man Singh Medical College in Jaipur, India, followed by anesthesiology training in both India and the United States, including at St. Louis University Hospital and Washington University’s Barnes-Jewish Hospital. He further broadened his expertise with an MBA in Global Executive Management from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain.
Synopsis: Chiari malformation and syringomyelia are complex problems that require thoughtful evaluation and treatment. When they do – there are special considerations, treatment plans, and follow up should occur. In most cases, further investigation is needed. Furthermore there is a well-known relationship between Chiari malformation and thoracolumbar scoliosis. The incidence of scoliosis is 2 to 4% in the general population but may be as high as 30% in patients with Chiari malformation type 1 and as high as 70% with spinal cord syrinx. In this presentation, we will discuss the relationship between chiari malformation and scoliosis and discuss the most up to date evidence identifying at risk patients and how we diagnose and treat patients who have these diagnoses.
About Dr Ravindra:
ASAP Board of Directors, ASAP Medical Advisory Board
Adult & Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Naval Medical Center & San Diego Rady Children’s Hospital
Adult & Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Naval Medical Center & San Diego Rady Children’s HospitalDr. Vijay Ravindra is a board-certified adult and pediatric neurosurgeon and former active duty Naval Officer. He is currently an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah and practices at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT.
He completed his neurosurgery training at the University of Utah, where he worked closely with Dr. Douglas Brockmeyer. He completed his pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital – Baylor College of Medicine. His clinical interests include disorders of the pediatric spinal column, in particular the craniocervical junction and scoliosis. He is actively studying tissue properties of the CCJ in children with Chiari malformations.
Synopsis: This talk explores the presentation and management of spina bifida and tethered cord in African infants and how these experiences inform surgical timing, resource utilization, and care strategies in the U.S. healthcare system.
About Dr Reynolds: Dr. Rebecca Reynolds is a pediatric neurosurgeon and assistant professor at the University of Iowa. She provides comprehensive neurosurgical care with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and a collaborative, family-centered approach. Her practice is dedicated to improving outcomes for children with neurological conditions, always striving to work closely with patients and their families to achieve the best possible care.
Dr. Reynolds earned her undergraduate degree in bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego, and her medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. She completed her neurosurgery residency and served as chief resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida.
Deeply committed to global health, Dr. Reynolds has conducted research in Zambia through the NIH Fogarty Global Health Program, with a particular focus on spina bifida and disparities in pediatric neurosurgical care. Her work continues to reflect a passion for equity, innovation, and compassionate care on both a local and global scale.
Synopsis: Chiari I malformation can be associated with some of the many Connective Tissue Disorders. We will discuss the different disorders associated with Chiari I malformation, and when further evaluation by a genetic specialist is needed
Samantha Schutt, ARNP earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Iowa in 1994 and worked for nearly 20 years as a Staff Nurse in Labor & Delivery at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. In 2011, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and became a certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She continued working in Labor & Delivery while also volunteering as a nurse practitioner at the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic. In 2014, she joined the Division of Medical Genetics at the University of Iowa, where she specializes in Connective Tissue Disorders, Neurofibromatosis, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, and Autism.
Synopsis: Chiari malformations and associated Syringomyelia syndromes are complex problems that require a multi-disciplinary team, similar to other medical conditions. Correct diagnosis as well as treatment within an organized, dedicated, and cohesive center is essential. The surgery itself is often the main or only focus, while other key elements are often ignored. The decision tree for surgery vs conservative treatment is paramount to a successful outcome. Not all Chiari Malformations require surgery, and a thoughtful and thorough approach is critical.
About Dr Veznedaroglu: Erol Veznedaroglu, MD, FACS, FAANS, FAHA, or Dr. Vez, is one of the nation’s most innovative and experienced vascular, dual-trained neurosurgeons. He is director of the Drexel Neurosciences Institute and holds the Robert A. Groff Chair in Neurosurgery. Dr. Vez is also chair of Global Neurosciences Institute, LLC (GNI) leading a team of some of the nation’s most experienced neurosurgeons specializing in comprehensive care including vascular, tumor, spine and functional neurosurgery, as well as a consortium of neuroscience physicians providing subspecialty neurology and comprehensive pain management clinical services. He is board certified in neurological surgery, and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons (FAANS) and the American Heart and Stroke Association (FAHA).
Synopsis: Presentation synopsis. Children with Chiari malformation (with or without a syrinx) presenting to a neurosurgeon are often found to have an associated scoliosis. Similarly, some children who present to an orthopaedic surgeon for scoliosis will have an undiagnosed Chiari malformation with or without a syrinx. This presentation will outline the often subtle signs and symptoms often associated with a presentation for scoliosis which should prompt the orthopaedic surgeon to look for an associated underlying cause for the scoliosis, most often an undiagnosed Chiari Malformation with or without and associated syrinx. Treatment for scoliosis in normal children will be discussed as these standard treatments are often used in children where the underlying cause for the scoliosis may be the Chiari malformation with or without associated syrinx. Key to this discussion is the imperative for the close working relationship between the pediatric neurosurgeon and the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.
About Dr Weinstein: Dr. Weinstein is the Ignacio V. Ponseti Chair and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of Pediatrics at The University of Iowa. Dr. Weinstein received his A.B. Honors degree in Political Science and History from the University of Illinois in 1968. He received his medical degree (Alpha Omega Alpha) from the University of Iowa in 1972. After interning in Internal Medicine at The University of California San Francisco, he returned to the University of Iowa for a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery. In 1976, he joined the faculty of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at The University of Iowa.
Dr. Weinstein was an NIH funded researcher. He has published more than 270 scientific articles in peer review journals (including first author publications in NEJM, JAMA, The Lancet, Nature). His research work has focused on spinal deformity in children and the natural history and long-term outcome of pediatric musculoskeletal conditions. He has edited six major textbooks including The Pediatric Spine: Principles and Practice; Lovell and Winter’s Pediatric Orthopaedics and Turek’s Orthopaedics.
Dr. Weinstein’s many contributions to orthopaedics have been recognized by his receipt of the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Zimmer Award for Distinguished Achievement in Orthopaedic Research; The Kappa Delta /Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation Clinical Research Award twice (1998 and 2015); The ABJS/CORR Nicolas Andry Lifetime Achievement Award for Research (2018); The Russell Hibbs Award for Clinical Research (1998, 2014, 2015) given by the Scoliosis Research Society; and The Arthur H. Heune Memorial Award, given by the St. Giles Foundation and The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. In 2005, Dr. Weinstein was the recipient of the Alfred R. Shands, Sr., MD Award, presented by the Orthopaedic Research Society and The American Orthopaedic Association for his significant contributions to orthopaedics and his devotion of a professional lifetime to furthering knowledge in the fields of musculoskeletal disease.
Dr. Weinstein received the 2000 Iowa Board of Regents Award for Faculty Excellence for sustained record of excellence across the spectrum of faculty endeavors. In 2003, he received the Ernest O. Theilen Clinical Teaching and Service Award presented by the Roy J. and Lucille Carver College of Medicine. In 2009, he received the highest award in the Roy J. and Lucille Carver College of Medicine, the Distinguished Mentor Award. In 2020 Dr Weinstein received the Carver College of Medicine “Impact Scholar” Award (H index 80).
In 2010 Dr. Weinstein received the lifetime achievement from POSNA. In 2011, he received the William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Award for Outstanding Leadership in Orthopaedics from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. In 2012, he received the American Orthopaedic Association’s Distinguished Contributions to Orthopaedics Award. In 2016, he was honored by the Vietnamese Government and Minister of Health and awarded the Civilian Medal for Contributions to the Development of Healthcare in Vietnam. In 2019 he received the lifetime achievement award from SOSORT and in 2021 he received the Lifetime Achievement award from the Scoliosis Research Society.
Dr. Weinstein was a recipient of an American, British, Canadian (ABC) Traveling Fellowship in 1985. He has been honored for his contributions to Orthopaedic Surgery by honorary memberships in National Orthopaedic Associations around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Great Britain Thailand, China, Portugal, and Argentina. In 2007, he was made a Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England and in 2014 he was made an Honorary Member of the European Federation of National Orthopedic Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT).
Dr Weinstein is past president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, The American Orthopaedic Association, The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, The United States National Action Network of the International Bone and Joint Decade, The International Center for Orthopaedic Education (ICOE), Doctors for Medical Liability Reform (DMLR), He was also Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) and past Chairman of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons Political Action Committee. He currently serves as an American College of Surgeons Children’s Hospital Surgery Surveyor and a Trustee for the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation.
Synopsis: This session will review the clinical challenge of treating syrinx-associated pain, with a focus on both medical and surgical options. Discussion will include pharmacologic treatments, patient selection for neuromodulation, and the potential role of spinal cord stimulation.
About Dr Saul Wilson: Saul Wilson, MD, is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa. He is a dual fellowship–trained neurosurgeon with subspecialty training in endovascular and pediatric neurosurgery. He serves as Director of Neurosurgical Operations at the University of Iowa Healthcare Medical Center Downtown. Dr. Wilson earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, training under Dr. Arnold Menezes. He completed fellowships in endovascular neurosurgery at Semmes-Murphy Neurologic and Spine Institute and in pediatric neurosurgery at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. His academic interests focus on the pathophysiology of memory, attention, and pain.
Synopsis: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a challenging and often underdiagnosed condition due to its vague and nonspecific symptoms, such as headaches, neck stiffness, low energy, tinnitus or dizziness. Diagnosis is complicated by the intermittent nature of symptoms and the frequent absence of clear imaging findings. Treatment can be equally difficult, especially when the leak site is not well localized. We have developed a novel technique involving targeted epidural navigation combined with fibrin glue injections to seal the leak. This minimally invasive approach enhances both diagnostic precision and therapeutic efficacy in managing elusive CSF leaks.
About Dr Zanaty: Dr. Mario Zanaty is a fellowship-trained skull base, vascular, and endovascular neurosurgeon at the University of Iowa, where he also serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery. With advanced training in both open and endovascular techniques, Dr. Zanaty specializes in the treatment of complex cerebrovascular and skull base disorders.
Dr. Zanaty has developed a clinical focus on spontaneous intracranial hypotension—a challenging and often misunderstood condition. In recent years, he has built a growing series of patients and continues to refine innovative management strategies to improve outcomes for this complex disorder.
Synopsis: In this talk, we will explore the integration of advanced imaging technologies with AI to enhance the diagnosis of brain diseases and predict treatment outcomes. Highlighting recent advancements, we will demonstrate how advanced imaging techniques reveal hidden brain dynamics in patients with Chiari Malformation. We will elucidate how AI-driven imaging analysis improves diagnostic accuracy and helps identify high-risk patients. Additionally, we will discuss the implications of these innovations on patient care, treatment optimization, and quality of life.
About Dr Zhao: Dr. Moss Zhao is an Instructor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University. He develops cutting-edge and clinically viable imaging technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases across the lifespan. His specific areas of expertise include physiological modeling, image analysis, and artificial intelligence. Dr. Zhao’s scientific contributions aim to significantly improve the early detection of neurological disorders and optimize patient selection in neurosurgical procedures and clinical trials.
Dr. Zhao graduated from University of Oxford. Recently, he received the prestigious Career Development Award from the American Heart and Stroke Association to propel his career as an independent investigator. Dr. Zhao is passionate about science communication and community-engaged research. His science podcasts have been downloaded over 10,000 times in more than 20 countries.
Synopsis: Pediatric headaches are common but often overlooked or mismanaged. This talk provides a practical overview of headache types, warning signs, and current treatment strategies to help parents and clinicians better evaluate and care for children with headache.
About Dr Zhorne: Leah Zhorne, MD is a general child neurologist with a special clinical interest in headache disorders. She is passionate about improving the quality of patient care in her role as director of the comprehensive headache clinic and in the neurocritical care follow up clinic. She also participates in clinical research, serving as the site PI for the International Pediatric Stroke Study, and as a site sub-investigator in a Gaucher Type 3 Disease clinical trial. Dr. Zhorne also has a special interest in resident education. In her role as Program Director, she continually works to adapt and update the child neurology resident experience to fit the ever-changing needs of our learners.