Chiari Malformation (pronounced Kee-ah-ree) a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine and causing many symptoms.

June 23, 2012

Causes of Chiari

I had a question about the causes of Chiari from a guest and I will try to answer that here.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Issues
Altered CSF dynamics "push" brain out of skull. For example, hydrocephalus,intracranial hypertension.

Small Posterior Fossa
Back of the skull is too small for the normal sized brain. May be most the common.

Tethered Cord (very controversial)
Abnormal anchoring of the spinal cord at the base leads to herniation, also causes symptoms of its own.

Other causes
Acquired due to a mass in the brain or Spina Bifida. Genetics have also been mentioned.
Research has identified more than 100 families with multiple affected members, implying that at least some cases are genetic in origin. However, it is not known what percent of cases are, what genes are involved, and there is no genetic test for Chiari.

Chiari is more common than many people think. Conquer Chiari estimates that 1 in 1,000 people have Chiari, which translates to 300,000 people in the US alone. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, there are over 10,000 Chiari surgeries each year.

Each person's Chiari experience is unique- It is impossible for others to completely understand what you are going through; look for validation within yourself.


There are two options; take control or be controlled – Be proactive, educate yourself, and trust your instincts

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