What is a Chiari malformation? 

A Chiari malformation is a congenital (present at birth) defect in the area of the back of the head where the brain and spinal cord connect. The condition is also called Arnold Chiari malformation. There are four types of Chiari malformations, including the following: 

• type I - commonly goes unnoticed until problems arise in the adolescent or adult years of life. In this condition, the base of the skull and the upper spinal area are not formed properly. 
• type II - this is the most common type of Chiari malformation. In this condition, part of the back of the brain shifts downward through the bottom of the skull area. 

1. Type II Chiari malformations are typically seen in infants who are born with spina bifida, a neurological condition that causes a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body. 
2. Type II Chiari malformations can also be associated with a condition known as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an overproduction or lack of absorption of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) that is found inside of the ventricles (fluid-filled areas) inside of the brain. The increased fluid causes the pressure inside of the head to increase  and the skull bones to expand to a larger-than-normal appearance. 

• type III - the back of the brain protrudes out of an opening in the back of the skull area. 
• type IV - the back of the brain fails to develop normally. 

What causes Chiari malformation? 

Although the exact cause of Chiari malformation  is unknown, it is thought that a problem during fetal development may cause  the abnormal brain formation. Chiari malformation may be caused by exposure to harmful substances during fetal development  or associated with genetic problems or syndromes that may have a tendency  to run in families.
 
Theories suggest that the following may predispose the fetus to problems that affect the normal development of the head during pregnancy: 

• exposure to hazardous chemicals/substances 
• lack of proper vitamins and nutrients in the diet 
• infection 
• prescription or illegal drug and alcohol consumption 

What are the symptoms of a Chiari malformation? 

The following are the most common symptoms of a Chiari malformation. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.  In infants and older children born with this condition, symptoms may include: 

• rapid, back and forth, eye movement 
• developmental delays 
• poor feeding and swallowing 
• stiffness or pain in the neck or back of the head area 
• weak cry 
• breathing problems 
• headaches 
• decreased strength in the arms 

The symptoms of Chiari malformation may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. 

How is a Chiari malformation diagnosed? 

If a Chiari malformation occurs  with other congenital (present at birth) defects, the diagnosis may be made at birth. Other times, the diagnosis is made after the onset  of specific signs and symptoms, and after diagnostic testing. The physician obtains a complete prenatal and birth history  of the child and may also ask if there is a family history of any medical problems. The physician will also ask about developmental milestones, such as the age the child sat up, crawled, or walked since a Chiari malformation can be associated with other neuromuscular disorders. Developmental delays may require further medical follow up for underlying problems.
 
During the examination, a measurement of the circumference of the child's head is taken and compared to a scale that can identify normal and  abnormal ranges.
  
Diagnostic tests that may be performed to confirm the diagnosis  of a Chiari malformation include: 

• x-rays  - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images  of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. 
• computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.)  - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of  the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat,  and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays. 
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)  - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination  of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within  the body.

Treatment for a Chiari malformation: 

Specific treatment for a Chiari malformation will be determined by your child's physician based on: 

• your child's age, overall health, and medical history 
• the extent of the condition 
• the type of condition 
• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies 
• expectations for the course of the condition 
• your opinion or preference 

Medical management consists of frequent physical examinations and diagnostic testing to monitor the growth and development of the brain, spinal cord, skull, and backbones.
 
Some types of Chiari  malformations may require surgery to relieve increased pressure inside the head or neck area, or to help drain excess cerebral spinal fluid from  the brain. Very severe Chiari malformations may be life threatening.
 
Parents  are instructed to watch for any changes that may affect  the child's neurological status, including the following: 

• breathing problems 
• degree  of alertness 
• speech or feeding problems 
• problems walking 
• uncoordinated movement 

Life-long considerations for a child with a Chiari malformation: 

The full extent  of the problems associated with a Chiari malformation are usually not completely understood immediately at birth, but may be revealed as  the child grows  and develops. Children born with a Chiari malformation require frequent examinations and diagnostic testing by his/her physician  to monitor  the development of the  head as the child grows. The medical team works hard with the child's family to provide education and guidance to improve the health and well-being of the child.
 
Genetic counseling may be recommended by the physician to provide information on the recurrences  for Chiari malformation and any available testing. 

Notes: Dr. Nelson Crumfield

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EditText of this page (last edited June 28, 2010)