Chiari malformation
During Chiari malformation, the brain tissue descends to the spinal cord A malformation is caused by a malformation of the skull, an undersized or misshapen skull that presses on the brain and forces it to move downward.
Chiari malformation is rare, but due to the development of diagnostic tests, the diagnosis is more common.
The first type of Chiari malformation develops when the skull and brain are growing As a result, signs and symptoms may not appear until late childhood or even adolescence The most common pediatric form is the second type of malformation, which is present at birth (congenital).
Treatment for Chiari malformation depends on the type, severity, and associated symptoms. Regular observation, medication, surgical intervention are treatment methods Sometimes, no treatment is needed
The first type of malformation develops if the part of the skull that surrounds the skull is too small or deformed. The skull lifts the tissue and displaces it Basically, the lower parts of the tonsils go into the upper cavity of the spinal cord
The second type of chiari malformation is almost always associated with the development of myelomeningocele.
When a tumor moves into the spinal cord, it interferes with the normal movement of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid normally protects the brain and spinal cord
Improper fluid circulation may be complicated by abnormal transmission of impulses between the brain and the body, or fluid accumulation in the brain or spinal cord.
Also, pressure exerted by the fetus on the spinal cord and brainstem is complicated by neurological symptoms and signs.
Doctors distinguish three types of chiari malformation Classification is based on the type of tissue displaced and accompanying developmental abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord.
Chiari malformation often does not cause symptoms and does not require treatment At this time, the diagnosis of the condition is made incidentally during a study conducted for another reason However, depending on the type and severity, a chiari malformation can cause many problems
The most common types are:
In the first type of malformation, signs and symptoms usually appear in late childhood or adulthood.
The second type of malformation is mostly detected by ultrasound during pregnancy. The diagnosis may be made after birth or in early infancy
These types are a less serious problem than the rare pediatric form – type three However, signs and symptoms may be severe
Chiari malformation type I Severe headache is a classic symptom of Chiari malformation The pain usually starts after coughing, sneezing and stretching Possible symptoms of Chiari malformation type 1 include:
- Neck pain
- Balance problems
- Hand coordination problems
- Numbness or loss of feeling in hands and feet
- Dizziness
- Difficulty swallowing, sometimes
Signs and symptoms may include vertebral malformation–myelomeningocele, which almost always accompanies the second type of chiarial malformation. In myelomeningocele, the spine and spinal cord do not close normally after birth
At this time, the lower back part of the brain - the brain or the brain stem goes into the lower hole of the skull This type of hiatal malformation is usually diagnosed at birth or by ultrasound during pregnancy. - This type of malformation carries a high risk of death and causes neurological problems
When to see a doctor - If you or your child have symptoms that you associate with a malformation, see your doctor
- Since Chiari malformation is associated with many other diseases, a complete medical examination is necessary
