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Chiari Malformation
Chiari is a malformation is a congenital defect that affects the cerebellum, which is part of the brain that responsible for human movement, motor control and sensory perception . The cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit in an indented space at the lower rear skull above a funnel like opening to the spinal canal, also known as the foramen magnum. This malformation is named after Hans Chiari an Austrian pathologist who first described three types of brain malformations in the 19th century.
Classification:
Chiari malformation is classified into four types based on there severity.
Type I
Causes:
Treatment:
Chiari is a malformation is a congenital defect that affects the cerebellum, which is part of the brain that responsible for human movement, motor control and sensory perception . The cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit in an indented space at the lower rear skull above a funnel like opening to the spinal canal, also known as the foramen magnum. This malformation is named after Hans Chiari an Austrian pathologist who first described three types of brain malformations in the 19th century.
Classification:
Chiari malformation is classified into four types based on there severity.
Type I
- Most common of the four types
- The base of the skull and the upper spinal area are not properly formed
- Usually first noted in adolescent or adulthood
- Most patients will develop a cyst in the spinal cord, which is a condition also referred to as syringomyelia
- Present in children with open neural tube defects
- Part of the brain shifts downward through the bottom of the skull area
- Includes not only the cerebellum but also the brainstem and other portions of the brain
- Children with this condition usually have trouble breathing and difficulty eat
- Rare defect that occurs when the skull does not shut completely during fetal development
- Causes the brain tissue to extend outside the skull in a sac behind the head
- Even more rare then type III
- Occurs when the cerebellum fails to develop completely during pregnancy
Causes:
- Structural defects in the brain and spinal cord that occur during fetal development
- Genetic Mutations
- Lack of proper vitamins or nutrients during pregnancy
- Usually occurs early in life but can also occur later in life if spinal fluid is drained excessively from the lunar and thoracic areas of the spine either from injury, exposure to harmful substance, or infection
- Headache (typically worsens with exertion) including exercise, coughing, ect.
- Neck Pain
- Temporary tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
- Dizziness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Spine deformity (scoliosis)
- Gagging or vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Stiff neck
- Problems breathing
- Development delays
- Failure to gain weight
Treatment:
- Surgery is the only treatment available to correct effects in the nervous system