Symptoms can vary widely for those with chiari.  However, these are common symptoms:

- Headache
- Fatigue
- Migraines
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances (loss of vision, double vision, "halos", nystagmus
- Tingling/numbness in extremities
- Pain in extremities
- Impaired fine motor skills
- General imbalance/clumsiness
- Memory loss
- Restricted movement
- Intolerance to bright light
- Vertigo
- Difficulty walking on uneven ground
- Poor motor skills
- Back and neck pain
- Insomnia
- Intolerance to loud sounds
- Gagging
- Poor feeding
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weak Cry
- Breathing problems/Apnea
- Poor depth perception
- Unequal pupil size
- Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
- Decreased strength in the hands and arms
- Poor muscle tone
- Developmental Delays

 

Chiari Malformation is characterized by the herniation of the cerebellum (lower part of the brain) through the large opening at the base of the skull into the spinal canal.  Symptoms are generally based on the amount of compression on the brainstem and the amount of blockage with the cerebral spinal fluid flow, not the degree of herniation itself.

If chiari is suspected, an MRI should be ordered to review the base of the brain and cervical spine area (top of the spine).  A neurosurgeon should be consulted who has experience treating and managing this condition.  Be aware that the need to travel for proper care maybe possible.

If symptoms are mild and non-progressive, your doctor may recommend pain management for headaches, physical therapy and an adjustment in activity level to help manage symptoms.

If symptoms warrant a more agressive approach, surgery may be recommended. 

Chiari Resources:
http://www.chiarione.org

World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association
http://www.wacma.com

Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center Department of Neurosurgery
http://www.cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/nsg/ct/Chiari_malformation.html (good pictorial guide at the bottom showing surgery methods).

Conquer Chiari
http://www.conquerchiari.org/index.htm

Chiari and Syringomyelia Foundation
http://www.csfinfo.org/

Miracle Wish for Chiari
http://www.miraclewishforchiari.com

      Email: kaci@kaciking.com