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Chiari Malformation is a condition in which two peg-like structures located at the base of the cerebellum, called the cerebellar
tonsils, protrude down past the opening at the base of the skull into the spinal canal. This causes crowding and pressure
in the area, which can lead to a number of neurological symptoms. These symptoms can include severe headaches, muscle weakness
in arms and/or legs, numbness/tingling, dizziness/balance/coordination problems, memory problems, fatigue, general flu-like
feeling, problems swallowing, severe burning feelings, visual disturbances, shooting pains in the head, pain/pressure at the
back of head and neck, sleep apnea, and hearing impairment.
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As I mentiond on the main page, Chiari is rare, and is often misdiagnosed as another illness,
such as MS, or passed off as being "all in your head." Diagnosis is really not that difficult, all it takes is an MRI of the
head and neck area to view any herniation of the cerebellar tonsils. Yet, patients are told that their MRI results are normal.
This can be contributed to a radiologist inexperienced with Chiari. In some cases, the radiologist will report the herniation
of the cerebellar tonsils (usually measured in millimeters) to the referring physician, but the physician will not pass the
information along to the patient. Some physicians feel that Chiari is a benign birth defect that does not cause problems.
In both of these cases, the patient is forced to continue searching for the cause of his or her physical symptoms, all the
while the answer is in the MRI itself. I have often corresponded with people who believe they have Chiari. My advice to them
is to take their actual MRI films to a neurosurgeon who is experienced with Chiari Malformation. A neurosurgeon is more knowledgeable
when it comes to Chiari, and is better equipped to give correct information.
Chiari is treatable through what is called
"decompression surgery." A small portion of the base of the skull is removed permanently to create more room for the brain,
and to relieve pressure. Usually a "duraplasty" is done on the outer covering of the brain. An incision is made into the dura,
and a patch is sewn in to expand the area. If necessary, a neurosurgeon will also do a partial laminectomy, which is removing
part of the first or second cervical vertebrae to create even more room.
Recovery from the surgery takes a few weeks,
depending on the person. Some patients will notice an immediate improvment in their Chiari symptoms, while others may take
a little longer (sometimes up to one year) to see a difference. Some Chiari patients choose not to have surgery, and to maintain
their symptoms with medications.
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This information should not be taken as medical advice. Specific medical information about Chiari should be sought from a
doctor.
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