Chiari malformation, is usually present at birth and occurs at the back of the head where the brain and spinal cord connect.
There are four types of Chiari malformations:
Type 1 – occurs when the base of the skull and upper spinal area do not form properly. A type 1 Chiari malformation commonly goes unnoticed until problems arise in the adolescent or adult years of life. The headaches most typical of Chiari I malformations are usually located at the back of the head, and are often made worse by exertion.
Type 2 – sometimes known as an Arnold-Chiari malformation, a type 2 Chiari malformation is caused by part of the back of the brain shifting downward through the bottom of the skull. it is seen in infants who are born with spina bifida and can also be associated with hydrocephalus, a condition in which there is an overproduction or lack of absorption of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
Type 3 – occurs when the back of the brain protrudes out of an opening in the back of the skull area.
Type 4 – occur when the back of the brain fails to develop normally.
Children with Chiari I malformations may start to have symptoms as early as age 2 or 3. Some don’t have any symptoms until they are older. Symptoms can appear any time. They may start or get worse after a trauma, physical effort or straining, such as exercising, coughing or sneezing.
Syringomyelia, common with Chiari, is a cyst in the center of the spinal cord that is filled with fluid. The cyst, also called a syrinx, can get larger and longer over time, putting pressure on the spinal cord and causing symptoms. If not treated, it may also eventually cause nerve damage.
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Latest Discussions
- This Giving Tuesday, Make Sure No One Faces Rare Disease Aloneby Ben_Munoz1 on December 2, 2024 at 10:04 pm
As we approach the end of the year, I’m reaching out with an urgent request on behalf of thousands of patients with rare diseases and chronic illnesses who rely on Ben’s Friends for support and […]
- I have SIH and NOT Chiari Malformationby Jayjay on October 28, 2024 at 11:20 pm
WOW. I have no idea how to unpack this new information. I have Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension usually misdiagnosed as a Chiari Malformation. My brain slump into my spinal canal do to low CSF […]
- Just an intro from fellow chiarian from UKby Helzbellz77 on October 5, 2024 at 5:09 pm
Hello everyone .just thought I’d say hi from UK .diagnosed in April this year after 4 months of severe head pain and a range of other issues Currently on topirimate which seems to be helping to […]
- Cognitive affection of Chiariby Nina35 on September 6, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Hallo all, I am happy to be included in this forum. I have been suffering from a Chiari condition for many years. 2015, I underwent a surgery. This month, I visited a doctors again who told me that […]
- Neurosurgeon and Ohioby Brenda_Y on September 3, 2024 at 5:19 pm
researchdirectory.uc.edu Expert Profile: Justin Virojanapa | Research Directory Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery<br /> Neurosurgery Site Director, West Chester Hospital […]