We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Chiari Malformation?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,946
Share

A Chiari Malformation is a congenital malformation which causes defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain which is responsible for balance, muscle control, and sensory perception. There are four grades of Chiari Malformation, with Type I being the most mild, and Type IV the most severe. Several treatment tools can be used to treat and manage a Chiari Malformation, which may allow the patient to live a relatively normal life, depending on the severity of the malformation.

This malformation was first described in the 1800s by Hans Chiari. Another physician, Julius Arnold, also contributed to the body of knowledge about this birth defect, leading some people to refer to this condition as an Arnold-Chiari Malformation, in a desire to recognize both of the major early researchers. It is caused by a change in the shape of the skull which pushes down on the cerebellum, forcing the cerebellum and brain stem into the spinal canal and restricting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Patients with a Type I Chiari Malformation may manifest such mild symptoms that they don't even realize they are afflicted. Type II and III patients have much more severe forms, which typically require treatment, while Type IV patients can have incompletely formed or developed brains, leading to very serious consequences. In all cases, a scan of the head can usually reveal the classic signs of a Chiari Malformation, with the distorted shape of the brain being clearly visible on an imaging study.

Chiari Malformations can cause a variety of symptoms, including balance, muscle control, and vision problems. Some patients also suffer from headaches, random stabbing pains, muscle weakness, dizziness, neck pain, difficulty swallowing, hearing problems, slurred speech, abnormal breathing, and spinal problems. Patients may also be prone to falls. If untreated, a patient may develop paralysis or a buildup of fluid on the brain which could be extremely dangerous.

Specific medications can be used to help manage the pain associated with a Chiari Malformation. In addition, surgical treatment can be used to relieve the pressure on the cerebellum; typically several vertebrae or part of the skull can be removed to make room for the brain. Surgical treatment can also be used to address concerns about impaired brain and nervous system function caused by restricted circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. In patients who develop hydrocephalus, a shunt may be installed to drain the excess fluid.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-chiari-malformation.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.