Chiari Malformation: MedlinePlus [NEW TOPIC PAGE]

Chiari Malformation: MedlinePlus

 

A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health

Chiari Malformation

Also called: Arnold-Chiari Malformation 

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Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls balance. With CM, brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It can happen when part of the skull is too small, which pushes the brain tissue down. There are several types of CM. Some cause no symptoms and don't need treatment. If you have symptoms, they may include

• Neck pain
• Balance problems
• Numbness or other abnormal feelings in the arms or legs
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Difficulty swallowing
• Poor hand coordination

Doctors diagnose CM using imaging tests. Medicines may ease some symptoms, such as pain. Surgery is the only treatment available to correct or stop the progression of nerve damage.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Related Topics

• Neural Tube Defects
• Brain and Nerves
• Genetics/Birth Defects

National Institutes of Health

• The primary NIH organization for research on Chiari Malformation is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

 

Start Here

• Chiari Malformation(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary 

• Overviews

  • Chiari Malformation(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
  • Chiari Malformation(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
  • Also available in Spanish
  • Chiari Malformation(Nemours Foundation)
  • Also available in Spanish

• Diagnosis/Symptoms

  • Chiari Malformation: Diagnosis(C&S Patient Education Foundation) - PDF
  • Chiari Malformation: Symptoms(C&S Patient Education Foundation) - PDF

• Treatment

  • Chiari Malformation: Treatment(C&S Patient Education Foundation) - PDF

• Related Issues

  • Finding a Neurosurgeon(C&S Patient Education Foundation) - PDF
  • Taking Chiari to School: A Guide for Parents(C&S Patient Education Foundation) - PDF
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• Clinical Trials

  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Arnold-Chiari Malformation(National Institutes of Health)
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• Journal Articles

  References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
  • Article: Estimation of CSF flow resistance in the upper cervical spine.
  • Article: Arnold-Chiari 1 malformation type 1 with syringohydromyelia presenting as acute...
  • Article: Complex sleep apnea syndrome in a child with Chiari malformation...
  • Chiari Malformation -- see more articles
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• Dictionaries/Glossaries

  • Glossary of Medical Terms(C&S Patient Education Foundation)
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• Directories

  • Find a Neurosurgeon(Congress of Neurological Surgeons)
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• Organizations

  • American Syringomyelia & Chiari Alliance Project
  • Conquer Chiari(C&S Patient Education Foundation)
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  • Also available in Spanish
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• Children

  • Pediatric Chiari(C&S Patient Education Foundation)