What can I expect from Chiari malformation?

You can expect to experience pain and discomfort, especially when turning or lifting your head, so you’ll be prescribed medications for pain and muscle spasms. After Chiari malformation surgery, fatigue and weakness, and headaches are common.

Is Arnold Chiari malformation serious?

A Chiari malformation is a problem in which a part of the brain (the cerebellum) at the back of the skull bulges through a normal opening in the skull where it joins the spinal canal. This puts pressure on parts of the brain and spinal cord, and can cause mild to severe symptoms.

Can Chiari malformation cause personality changes?

Many patients treated for a Chiari malformation experience some degree of emotional difficulties and/or subtle cognitive changes. Patients who were treated as teenagers or young adults may report these symptoms continuing into adulthood.

Can you live a normal life with Chiari malformation?

Patients with Chiari type I malformation, the mildest form of the condition, are typically diagnosed in adulthood and have a normal life expectancy and good outcomes with treatment and/or surgery. Despite extensive malformations, some patients with Chiari II have normal intelligence and can function independently.

What does a Chiari headache feel like?

The most common symptom associated with a Chiari malformation is occipital headaches. These headaches are felt near the base of the skull and may radiate to cause pain in the neck and shoulders. They can be severe and may be described as sharp, brief, throbbing or pulsating.

What are the symptoms of Chiari I malformations?

Most people with Chiari I malformations don’t have any symptoms, and don’t know they have the malformation. Some, however, do experience symptoms, especially in late adolescence or even more commonly in adulthood. The classic triad of symptoms are:

Can a child be born with Chiari and not develop symptoms?

That’s because some children who are born with the condition either never develop symptoms or don’t develop symptoms until they reach adolescence or adulthood. Chiari malformations are usually caused by structural defects in the brain and spinal cord. These defects develop during fetal development.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Chiari?

Chiari malformation Type II. Individuals with Type II have symptoms that are generally more severe than in Type 1 and usually appear during childhood. This disorder can cause life-threatening complications during infancy or early childhood, and treating it requires surgery.

How is chidchiari malformation Type II diagnosed?

Chiari malformation type II is usually noted with ultrasound during pregnancy. It may also be diagnosed after birth or in early infancy.