Chiari Related Conditions; (by TCI)

"Syringomyelia: Syringomyelia occurs when a tubular cavity (syrinx) develops within the spinal cord, caused by an obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulatory pathways.

*Approximately 80% of cases are the result of a Chiari Malformation. Other causes include
trauma, hemorrhage, infection and spinal cord tethering.

*An enlarged syrinx can give rise to painful sensory disturbances and paralysis of the
extremities.

Other Conditions: Other Chiari-related disorders treated at TCI include basilar invagination (see below), craniospinal instability, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (see below), intracranial and intraspinal cysts, tumors of the cerebellum, brain stem and spinal cord, spina bifida, spinal cord tethering, hydrocephalus (see below), and pseudotumor cerebri.

Basilar Invagination: Basilar Invagination is a protrusion of the upper end of the spine into the skull.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome(EDS): Individuals with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue which provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments. The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen. Collagen is a protein which acts as a "glue" in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue. EDS is a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders, characterized by articular (joint) hypermobility, skin extensibility and tissue fragility. There are six major types of EDS. The different types of EDS are classified according to their manifestations of signs and symptoms.

Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus is a buildup of CSF in the cavities of the brain.

Pseudotumor Cerebri: Pseudotumor Cerebri is chronically raised pressure in the cerebral spinal fluid."