Chiari malformation, sometimes referred to as Chiari malformation or ACM, is a congenital malformation of the brain.
Chiari (kee-AR-ee) malformation (CM) includes a complex group of disorders characterized by herniation of the cerebellum through the large opening in the base of the skull (foramen magnum) into the spinal canal.
The correct name is Chiari ( not Kiari ) But most people tend to spell it either Kiari or Chiari since phonetically both sound the same
In layman's terms, Chiari malformation is when the bottom of the brain extends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, blocking the flow of spinal fluid to and from the brain.
Chiari often is misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Cause of Chiari malformation:
- The cerebellar tonsils are elongated and pushed down through the opening of the base of the skull (see foramen magnum), blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- The brainstem, cranial nerves, and the lower portion of the cerebellum may be stretched or compressed.
- Therefore, any of the functions controlled by these areas may be affected. The blockage of CSF flow may also cause a syrinx to form, eventually leading to syringomyelia. Many sufferers turn to the Chiari Institute in Long Island, NY for specialized medical attention and medication.
The Chiari Institute in Great Neck, N.Y., estimates that 200,000 to 2 million Americans have the condition. Once regarded as rare, the number of cases has risen sharply with the increased availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), according to the institute's Web site.
Patients with CM1 may experience no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they usually do not appear until adolescence or early adulthood, but can occasionally be seen in young children.
Some patients may go an entire lifetime without having noticeable symptoms. Or, symptoms can be minimal, then turn severe suddenly due to head trauma which alters the condition of the spine, brain, or cerebellar tonsils and begins to cause more difficulties.
Symptoms of Kiari malformation & Kiari malfunction
The majority of patients complain of severe headache and neck pain. Other common symptoms are dizziness, vertigo, disequilibrium, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, difficulty swallowing, palpitations, sleep apnea, muscle weakness, impaired fine motor skills, chronic fatigue and painful tingling of the hands and feet. Because of this complex symptomatology, patients with CM1 are frequently misdiagnosed.
How common is Chiari malformation?
Until recent years, CM1 was regarded as a rare condition. With the increased availability of magnetic resonance imaging, the number of reported cases has risen sharply. Current estimates range from 200,000 to 2 million Americans with the condition. Genetic studies spearheaded by Dr. Milhorat support a hereditary tendency with a transmissibility rate of 12 percent. Women are affected three times more often than men. Approximately 3,500 Chiari operations are performed each year in the United States.
source:xactnews.blogspot.com
source:xactnews.blogspot.com
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