Chiari Malformation

It is defined as the condition in which brain substance is extend into the spinal cord. It is occurred due to the small skull or misshapen skull which pressed the brain and move it downward.

Symptoms

If extension is more than signs and symptoms may produce which include:

Neck pain
Gait problem
Numbness
Dizziness
Difficulty in swallowing
Speech problem
Buzzing
Tinnitus
Scoliosis
Slow heart rate
Weakness

Causes

Chiari malformation type 1 is occurred due to the small part of skull which hold the cerebellum, due to which cerebellum compress the other parts of brain.

Chiari malformation 2 is associated with spina bifida called myelomeningocele.

Complications

It can lead to the following complications:

Spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Syringomyelia
Tethered cord syndrome in which spinal cord is stretch due to attachment with spines.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made by:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to take the detailed image of brain.
Cerebral angiography to check the condition of your blood vessels in the brain.
Blood test to check the complete blood count
Lumber puncture to check the CSF pressure.
Cranial ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment option depend upon the severity of the symptoms and overall health of the patient. Treatment include:

Reduce the pressure of csf by medicine.
Reduce compression of brain substances by posterior fossa decompression by removing a small portion of bone to provide a more space to brain.
Place shunt to drain the excessive fluid accumulated in brain.

Chiari Malformation