Chiari Malormation

Research shows the first recorded cases of Chiari malformation dates back to 1883. This disorder, named after Hans Chiari, an Austrian pathologist who classified Chiari malformations into types I through III in 1891. Chiari's colleague, Julius Arnold, made additional contributions to the definition of Chiari II malformation. The first known malformation was a 17-year-old female in 1883. CM is a congenital anomaly in which parts of the brain protrude through the opening in the base of the skull into the spinal column. Chiari used to be considered a rare disorder, although, due to advances in modern technology, it is said that there is more people diagnosis. One in one thousand children, approximately, are born with this disorder every year.
Such as: Syringromyelia, Hydrocephalus, Myelomeningocele, Neuropathic pain syndrome, intracranial hypertension, POTS, Scoliosis, Spina Bifida, and EDS. Since there are so many related disorders the list of symptoms can be endless. “Chiari has a wide ranging, diverse set of symptoms and affects everyone differently. Research shows that 95% of patients experience at least 5 symptoms.” (Conquerchiari.org) The symptoms that are related to CM are; neck pain, headache, unsteady gait, dizziness, poor hand coordination, weakness, central sleep apnea, vision problems, tinnitus, speech problems, swallowing problems, and the list goes on. There is currently no cure for Chiari Malformation. There are only treatments that can be done to control symptoms. If the CM is severe enough the neurosurgeon might suggest a decompression of the brain to minimize these symptoms. The cause of this disorder is unknown. There are some theories, but there is no actual proof what causes CM. There is a theory that the child develops CM in the womb due to the mother’s lack of vitamins. Another is that simply the skull is just to small or deformed to fit the brain properly. Chiari Malformation types I-III is not considered fatal, but complications due to either surgery or symptoms can
This can be associated with hypoplasia of pons as well as a small funnel shaped posterior fossa. It is now considered to be an obsolete term.” (Radiopaedia). This type is considered to be the most dangerous form. There is a lack of research of this type, so it is not fully understood. “. Type 4 actually involves a lack of development of a portion of the base of the brain. The prognosis is very poor with death often occurring during infancy.” (Healthgrades Right Diagnosis). The symptoms in this type are completely different from types I through III. The symptoms of type IV include: Hypotonia, ataxia, developmental delays, seizures, mental retardation, involuntary eye movements, Nystagmus, headache, extreme breathing problems, vertigo, and hearing impairment. Encephalocele that is sometimes known by the Latin name cranium bifidum, a neural tube defect characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain. It is almost always accompanied by type IV. It is often diagnosed while the baby is still in the womb by an ultrasound. An unborn child that is diagnosis with type IV is often a stillbirth. Others pass away within a few