Chiari Malformation (update pg 2)

[link to www.ninds.nih.gov]

Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. Normally the cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit in an indented space at the lower rear of the skull, above the foramen magnum (a funnel-like opening to the spinal canal). When part of the cerebellum is located below the foramen magnum, it is called a Chiari malformation.

CMs may develop when the bony space is smaller than normal, causing the cerebellum and brain stem to be pushed downward into the foramen magnum and into the upper spinal canal. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem may affect functions controlled by these areas and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)— the clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord—to and from the brain.

I knew you were a little off balance...



You feeling okay though?

Midichlorian count

A ballerina with balance issues. Pffft!!!

I'm not doing very well actually. Most people who have it show no symptoms or very few vague symptoms. I can think back over the years and think of some things that fit.

It usually starts showing up when someone has some sort of facial or head trauma. I had sinus surgery a few months ago so that must be what started it. I've been stumbling around in a fog, severe headaches, passing out....it's really a crappy crappy thing to have.

Only one way to fix it too. Fucking brain surgery.

I knew there would be glpers aware of this rarity!

I have type 1 and I think it's less severe than the kind that is present from birth.

As for the surgery, I was told I would spend two days in icu and another few days in the hospital, then up to three months off work. And that's if it works. If not, I'll be permanently disabled.

This is scary.

I knew there would be glpers aware of this rarity!

I have type 1 and I think it's less severe than the kind that is present from birth.

As for the surgery, I was told I would spend two days in icu and another few days in the hospital, then up to three months off work. And that's if it works. If not, I'll be permanently disabled.

This is scary.

Definitely get some second opinions. I saw doctor after doctor with my issues.

Chiari is sometimes seen with scolisis and tethered cord syndrome. If you have tethered cord syndrome, the tethered cord release can help with pulling down on your neck...or if you have syringomyelia along with the chiari they can do some things to take the pressure off. I am not trying to scare you by listing off all these things, its just sometimes symptoms can mimic each other.

That sounds extreme. There are neurosurgeons who have more experience with it than that. My friend had to go to Boston, and the biggest concern they had was the possibility of a "revision" surgery, nothing like you are describing. She had Chiari I Malformation.

My friend's daughter had the syringomyelia (cyst in the spine) but it was caused by the Chiari. The surgery resolved that as well.

A good neurologist would rule out tethered cord on MRI.

Definitely get some second opinions. I saw doctor after doctor with my issues.

Chiari is sometimes seen with scolisis and tethered cord syndrome. If you have tethered cord syndrome, the tethered cord release can help with pulling down on your neck...or if you have syringomyelia along with the chiari they can do some things to take the pressure off. I am not trying to scare you by listing off all these things, its just sometimes symptoms can mimic each other.

bleh scan after scan after scan. Its good to see all the various angles though!

bleh scan after scan after scan. Its good to see all the various angles though!

One out of three people have it.

Tell tale sign that you are one of the three people who have a chiari malformation of the brain is to look in the mirror to see if your uvula is crooked.

One out of 10 of those have to have surgery to allow spinal fluid to flow around the brain.

It is not a big deal. Don't worry even if you need the surgery. It's ok.

All my prayers to you Only Me. I had a brain anerysm and I know first hand how frightening brain surgery can be. I was
extremely lucky they could operate via the blood vessel in my leg. The surgery went well and now its been almost seven years. Try not to worry, I know its hard though.

My cord isn't tethered and I don't think I have syringomyelia. My csf spaces are crowded though.

It's funny how the symptoms are so vague and could mean just about anything. I've run the laboratory test gamut recently, and they even did an ekg. It's been crazy

One out of three? Our neuropathologist told me it was rare in adults.

Do you have torticollis at all?