Chiari malformation
Cerebellar herniation downward
Chiari malformation is a structural defect where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, occurring when the skull is too small or misshapen to contain the cerebellum properly.
Symptoms range from headaches and neck pain to balance problems and difficulty swallowing.
Named for Austrian pathologist Hans Chiari.
Type I is most common, often discovered in adulthood; Type II is more severe and associated with spina bifida.
Movement coordination organ
- brainstemLower neural trunk
- posterior fossaRear skull cavity
- medulla oblongataLower brainstem structure
- spinal canalHollow in backbone
skull base · dura mater · cervical spine · hindbrain · fourth ventricle
Cranial pain
- neck painCervical region discomfort
- dizzinessUnsteady, spinning sensation
- balance problemsImpaired stability while standing
- ataxiaImpaired voluntary movement control
nystagmus · dysphagia · tinnitus · sleep apnea · numbness · weakness · hand coordination · hoarseness
Abnormal cranial fluid buildup
- scoliosisLateral vertebral deviation
- syrinxBird's sound-producing organ
- myelopathySpinal cord pathology
Magnetic body imaging
- neurologistPhysician specializing in nervous system
- neurosurgeonSpinal cord and brain operator
- neurological examClinical nervous system evaluation
- brain imagingVisualizing cerebral structures or activity
Surgical skull portion removal
- laminectomyRemoving vertebral arch surgically
- shuntDivert from main course
- neurosurgeryMedical field treating brain surgically
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
Existing from birth
cerebellum
Movement coordination organ
- brainstemLower neural trunk
- posterior fossaRear skull cavity
- medulla oblongataLower brainstem structure
spinal canal · skull base · dura mater · cervical spine · hindbrain · fourth ventricle
headache
Cranial pain
- neck painCervical region discomfort
- dizzinessUnsteady, spinning sensation
- balance problemsImpaired stability while standing
ataxia · nystagmus · dysphagia · tinnitus · sleep apnea · numbness · weakness · hand coordination · hoarseness · gagging
hydrocephalus
Abnormal cranial fluid buildup
- scoliosisLateral vertebral deviation
- syrinxBird's sound-producing organ
- myelopathySpinal cord pathology
MRI
Magnetic body imaging
- neurologistPhysician specializing in nervous system
- neurosurgeonSpinal cord and brain operator
- neurological examClinical nervous system evaluation
craniectomy
Surgical skull portion removal
- laminectomyRemoving vertebral arch surgically
- shuntDivert from main course
- neurosurgeryMedical field treating brain surgically
congenital
Existing from birth
- Brain Disordersdementia, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease
- Neurological Disordersepilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy
- Hindbrain Malformations
- craniocervical junctiondens, cruciate ligament, occiput
- Hydrocephalushydrocephalus, CSF, shunt, ICP, ETV
- hypermobility disordershypermobility, double-jointed, double jointed, loose joints, bendy
Chiari malformationtraumatic brain injury
Brain damage from external force
stroke · multiple sclerosis · Parkinson's disease · Alzheimer's disease