Chiari Malformation is a condition where your brain tissue extends downward into your spinal canal. This causes an obstruction of your normal cerebrospinal fluid flow. Although rare, an increase in imaging tests has led to more diagnoses of Chiari.
Chiari malformation occurs in about one in every 1,000 births. There is some evidence that Chiari is hereditary, but this research is still in its early phase. Additionally, there is evidence that Chiari malformation happens more frequently in women than men, and type II Chiari is more prevalent in people of Celtic descent.
There are also certain conditions that can increase the risk of Chiari, such as:
There are three different types of Chiari malformation, the most common being types I and II.
症状和体征的I型通常appear during late childhood or adulthood. People with type I Chiari often experience severe headaches, especially after sudden sneezing, coughing or straining.
Other symptoms of Chiari type I include:
Less common symptoms include:
II型诊断当有高雅r amount of tissue that extends into the spinal canal than there would be with type I. Signs and symptoms of type II Chiari can include those related to myelomeningocele, a type of spina bifida. Myelomeningocele occurs when the backbone and spinal cord haven’t closed properly before birth. Chiari type II is typically noted during pregnancy with an ultrasound but can also be diagnosed after birth and in early infancy.
Other signs and symptoms of type II are:
Type III Chiari is the most severe type. In type III, a portion of the cerebellum or brain stem extends through an abnormal opening in the back of the skull. Type III is typically diagnosed with an ultrasound during pregnancy or at birth.
This type of Chiari can cause neurological problems and has a higher mortality rate than its counterparts.
In order to diagnose Chiari, your doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination and order anMRI.
Your doctor will recommend Chiari malformation treatment depending on the severity of your condition. Without symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend no treatment aside from regular exams and MRIs.
In order to reduce pressure caused by Chiari, your doctor may recommend posterior fossa decompression surgery. The goal of this surgery is to stop the progression of changes in the brain and spinal canal and stabilize your symptoms. Posterior fossa decompression surgery calls for removing a small section of bone in the back of the skull and upper cervical spine to give the brain more room and relieve pressure.
In some cases, your doctor may also recommend that the dura matter is opened. Dura matter is the covering of the brain. A patch, of either artificial material or tissue gathered from another part of the body, may also be sewn onto the dura matter to allow more room for the brain.
You can rest easy knowing that the world-renowned staff at Banner Health will help you with whatever you and your family need to treat or manage Chiari.
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