All About Chiari Malformation Conditions

The brain is a unique body component that performs almost ninety percent of your body functions like controlling the nervous system. There are various disorders that can affect your brain, Chiari malformations being the most occurring of abnormalities. These conditions form between the skull and the spinal canal. It was first diagnosed in the late nineteenth century by a pathologist called Hans Chiari. Chiari malformation is categorized according to its level of severity. Roswell Chiari malformation diagnoses and treats all categories of Chiari malformation. Types of Chiari malformations are explained below.

The main categories of Chiari malformation conditions

Chiari malformation disorder is categorized into five types according to severity. These types include:

Type I Chiari malformation.

This condition is not considered as severe in its first stage. It occurs when cerebellar tonsils move downward, under the foramen magnum into the cervical spinal canal with a range of four millimeters. This condition commonly affects teenagers in adolescents and adults. Type I Chiari malformation anomalies are cervical spina bifida occulta (bony defect in some parts of the spine), unfinished bony union of C1 and C2 fusion of the spine, the bony union of C1 to the base of the spine, and others. Symptoms of type I Chiari malformation are:

• Balance problems
• Spasticity
• Double or blurred vision
• Loss of muscle strength
• Severe headache and pain.

Type II and III Chiari malformation.

Type II Chiari is formed when the medulla, fourth ventricle, and cerebellum are forced downward into the spinal canal, while type III Chiari is created when a part of the cerebellum and brainstem are pushed out through a defect in the back of your head or neck. These conditions can be expected during birth and, when not treated, it may cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms include:

• Loss of arm strength
• Depressed gag reflex
• Downward eye movement

Below are the ways of treating Chiari malformation.

The significant ways of Chiari malformations treatment

The doctor will first take you through a physical examination test. The doctor will diagnose the presence of the condition using an x-ray and CT scan. Once the disorder is diagnosed, the physician will prescribe medication to manage your pain and other symptoms. Surgery is the most known method of treatment which its’ objective is to re-enable normal fluid circulation through the affected area and also relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord. There are three types of surgeries that a doctor can perform on both adults and children. They include:

• Spinal laminectomy. This surgery is performed to remove parts of the arched, bony roof of the spinal cord canal. A spinal laminectomy reduces pressure on nerve roots and the spinal cord.
• Decompression surgery of posterior fossa. This surgery involves the correction of bony structure in some parts of the spinal column.
• Electrocautery. High-frequency radioactive rays are used to shrink some lower parts of the cerebellum.

It is vital to prevent the brain from getting disorders which can severely ruin your life. Visiting a doctor when you have symptoms like headaches and neck pain is crucial since you can be suffering from Chiari malformation. Chiari malformation is a condition that affects your head and spinal canal. This disorder has type I, II, III, IV, and V, which occurs according to the condition’s seriousness. Apex Spine and Neurosurgery is a healthcare facility that treats and manages all stages of Chiari malformation conditions.