"Welcome To Chiari Lifeline."

Chiari Malformation is a serious neurological disorder where the cerebellum, the bottom part of the brain, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine. There are over 100 reported symptoms that are caused from CM. Those most common include; severe headaches, fatigue, general imbalance, memory problems, visual disturbances, dizziness, just to name a few.

CM affects about 1 in 1,000 people and this number continues to grow. Still many are left suffering and go years without a proper diagnosis as many doctors are yet unfamiliar with this condition.

If you or a loved one is affected by Chiari please visit the links provided below. Together, we can make a difference!


January 27, 2008

Chiari Malformation - Three Main Types; (by TCI)

For the next several posts, I'll be sharing information given to me by TCI in regards to CM and related disorders. I hope you find it both informative and helpful.



Chiari Malformation: Chiari Malformation (CM) includes a complex group of disorders characterized by herniation of the cerebellum through the large opening in the base of the skull (foramen magnum) into the spinal canal. The herniated tissue blocks the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain and can lead to the formation of a cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord.

There are three main types of CM.
*CM1, the simplest and most prevalent form, is generally considered to be a congenital malformation, although acquired cases are recognized. It is rarely apparent at birth.

CM2 and CM3 are more severe congenital malformations that are apparent at birth and associated with complex defects of the brain and spinal cord.

How is CM diagnosed?
CM is most often diagnosed by viewing the malformation on a patient's MRI of the head and spine and reviewing the patient's symptoms.

Patients may also undergo a variety of other testing, depending on their symptoms, including various MRIs, x-rays, CT scans, MRAs of the brain, spine, and skull including cine-MRI and
3D CT scans.

Because of the complexity of some patient's symptoms and the similarities between these symptoms and the symptoms of other disorders, patients often are misdiagnosed.
(For a list of CM symptoms, please click on symptoms list listed on home page.)


Next posting I'll share information in regards to CM and pregnancy. Thank You.

2 comments:

invisibleglue said...

hello. i did not see an email address so I will just ask here. I am concerned that I will need to be seen for chiari surgery. I see the neurologist next month. I am presently being seen at a "teaching university"; however whenever I talk about the EDS the doctors abandon my care. I am concerned that if I go and receive any surgery that I will receive no after care locally. What kind of things can you suggest for this kind of situation?

Beth said...

You have every right to be concerned. There are so few doctors who are knowledgeable about CM. If there's any way you can, try to go to TCI. They are true experts in the field. Also, the Chiari Clinic in Colorado is very good I've heard. What reason do the doctors give you for "dropping" your care? Where are you located?

Please feel free to contact me at Chiarilifeline@yahoo.com
~Beth