Chiari I Malformation

Chiari I Malformation is a congenital or acquired defect involving the structures in the back of the brain. In Chiari I Malformation, the portion of the skull in which the cerebellum and brainstem sit is smaller than normal. Because of this, the brainstem and cerebellum are displaced through an opening at the base of the skull called the foramen magnum. This may cause pressure on these structures, which in turn results in specific symptoms.

Symptoms

Onset of symptoms may be delayed until adolescence or adulthood.

Symptoms are related to structures within the brain and upper part of the spinal cord being compressed and may include headaches, neck pain, loss of balance, tingling in the arms or legs, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing. The symptoms may become worse with coughing or straining. Because symptoms can be vague and variable, diagnosis is difficult.

Diagnosis

When the diagnosis is suspected, the study of choice is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). MRI is safe, painless and informative and has greatly improved the diagnosis of Chiari I Malformation.

Treatment

Adults with Chiari I Malformation may benefit from surgery. The surgical procedure, called a posterior fossa craniectomy, consists of removing a small segment of bone at the back of the head to relieve pressure by making more room for the cerebellum. The covering of the brain (the dura) may also be enlarged by stitching a patch into it. The operation takes 2-3 hours. Recovery time in the hospital could take from 2-4 days.

Call 773-250-0500 to schedule an initial consultation with an NOHC Physician.