CHIARI MALFORMATION

Chiari malformation is a deformity affecting the cerebellum and upper area of the cervical. It is imaged well on MRIs of the cervical spine. Two of these images are shown to the left. Chiari malformation is a congenital defect that occurs when the cerebellar tonils extend below the foramen magnum and into the spinal canal. Many times this is not diagnosed until teenage years or adulthood. Symptoms can include headache, neck pain/tension, tingling in extremeties, vision problems, difficulty swallowing and dizziness. Symtoms typically increase with sneezing and coughing. Treatment can range from pain management to surgery. The surgery is called a posterior fossa decompression. Part of the skull is surgically removed to decrease the pressure on the brain stem. Surgical treatment is only used in extreme cases.