It consists of a downward herniation of the brain-cerebellar vermis and the medulla through the foramen magnum, sometimes causing hydrocephalus as a result of obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow .
It can cause vertigo(dizziness), headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness in the head and face, difficulty swallowing, nausea, impaired coordination, and paralysis.
The incidence of Chiari 1 malformation, defined as tonsilar herniations of 3 to 5 mm or greater.
Once symptomatic onset occurs, treatment is decompression surgery by neurosurgeons.
post op picture
(An Austrian pathologist, Hans Chiari, first described these hindbrain malformations in the 1890s. A colleague of Professor Chiari, Dr. Julius Arnold, later contributed to the definition of the condition, and students of Dr. Arnold suggested the term “Arnold-Chiari malformation” to henceforth refer to the condition.)
Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 35 years of experience covering in Ear, Nose and Throat procedures, specializing in Laser Surgery and conventional medicine across India, U.K. and Middle East. He is currently engaged with the Jubilee Hospital, in Kerala, India.
Comments on this entry are closed.