Two Types of Chiari Malformations

Types of brain malformations can include missing parts of the brain, abnormal growth, and incomplete division of the brain. One type of malformation is Arnold-Chiari malformation, and it is a condition that can require multiple types of treatment depending on the severity and accompanying disorders the younger patient might have.

Arnold-Chiari is a malformation of the brain stem. This malformation is sometimes, but not always, apparent at birth. The condition is defined by abnormalities in the area where the brain and spinal cord meet. The abnormality in this area causes part of the cerebellum to protrude through the bottom of the skull into the spinal canal. Arnold-Chiari malformation is a genetic disorder . In this syndrome, some parts of the brain are formed abnormally. Arnold-Chiari malformation is one of the forms of Chiari malformation and there is a type I and a type II. A person with type two the person may have 'Spina bifida cystica' or 'myelomenigocele'.

Chiari I is associated with deaths following minor trauma including acute respiratory failure. It can be also associated with transient quadriparesis occurring in contact sports, Chiari I symptoms may be flared by chiropractic manipulation. Chiari Type I is an abnormal protrusion of the tonsils of the cerebellum through the opening at the base of the skull and into the cervical spinal canal. In most instances,. Chiari 2 malformation is usually infants with issues such as spina bifida.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG) blink reflexes, mental and facial nerve responses and facial electromyogram are all tests that are performed to help physicans diagnose some version of a Chiari malformation in children and adult. Chiari that has gone undiagnosed presents in patients with posterior headaches, dizziness and ataxia associated with straining and numbness. Adolescents and adults who have who have no initial symptoms go on to develop neurological symptoms that may be misdiagnosed later in life.

Researchers search for the gene(s) that are responsible for producing the Chiari malformation in certain families. Many families will have more than one member with a Chiari malformation. Once an adult presents with a symptomatic malformation many have treatment is decompression surgery .Decompression surgery is a procedurein which a neurosurgeon usually removes the lamina of the first and sometimes the second or even third cervical vertebrae .They may also remove part of the occipital bone of the skull to if there pressure from spinal fluid...

Now there are neurological surgeons believe that detethering the spinal cord different approach relieves the compression of the brain against the skull opening If this approach to treating Chiari malformation becomes dominant it would eliminate the need for traditional decompression surgery. Prognosis of patients treated with decompression surgery is determined by the type of Chiari they have and any associated spinal disorders .

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/chiari.htm

http://chiarione.org/chiari.html

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