At Georgia Brain & Spine Center
A Chiari malformation is a condition in which the lower portion of the skull cavity, called the posterior fossa, is crowded. The crowding pushes part of the brain called the cerebellar tonsils down through the opening at the bottom of the skull into the spinal canal. This can cause pressure on the brain stem and spinal cord and can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the spine. This can result in headaches that are made worse by certain movements, coughing, laughing, crying, straining, or bending. Other symptoms can include weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, balance or gait problems, difficulty swallowing or hoarseness of voice, ringing in the ears, dizziness, blurred vision, problems with concentration, and snoring. The majority of Chiari Malformation do not cause symptoms and are found incidentally on imaging studies.
Chiari Malformation Treatment
Treatment of Chiari malformations begins with a comprehensive neurological exam and appropriate imaging studies, which might include an MRI of your brain and spine. In some cases, we may also order a specialized study to look at your cerebrospinal fluid flow at the region of the compression, called a CINE MRI. If we determine that you have a Chiari malformation that is causing symptoms, we will discuss treatment options with you based on the severity of your symptoms and the effect they are having on your overall health. If you do not have any symptoms or if your symptoms are mild, we may recommend close observation with neurological check-ups and serial MRI scans. If your condition is more serious, we may offer you a surgery called a posterior fossa decompression. This surgery is designed to relieve pressure on your brain by removing a portion of the back of your skull and at times the back of the vertebrae of the upper neck.
Chiari malformations can be difficult to live with. If you are suffering from this condition, our surgeons may be able to help you. Please contact us at Georgia Brain & Spine Center to make an appointment.