Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. In a Chiari malformation, brain tissue extends down into the spinal canal. This can happen when part of the skull is too small and pushes the brain tissue downward.
Types
There are several types of Chiari malformation. One type often occurs in children who have neural tube defects. Some types cause no symptoms and need no treatment.
Symptoms
When there are symptoms, they may include:
- neck pain;
- balance problems;
- numbness or other unusual feelings in the arms or legs;
- dizziness;
- vision problems;
- difficulty swallowing;
- poor hand coordination.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose Chiari malformations with imaging tests.
Treatment
Medicines may ease some symptoms, such as pain. Surgery is the only treatment that can correct the malformation or stop nerve damage from getting worse.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| What it is | brain tissue from the cerebellum extending into the spinal canal |
| Possible cause | part of the skull too small, pushing brain tissue down |
| Linked with | neural tube defects in children (one type) |
| Diagnosed by | imaging tests |
| Treated by | medicines for symptoms; surgery to correct it or halt nerve damage |
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Chiari Malformation," drawing on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://medlineplus.gov/chiarimalformation.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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