An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are important to prevent permanent injury to the nervous system. If symptoms are severe or worsening, surgery may be performed to remove a part of the skull bone and create space for the cerebellum and brainstem. If symptoms are mild, regular monitoring and medications can be effective. Treatment options depend on the type of Chiari and the severity of symptoms. The blockage can cause a buildup of fluid in the spinal cord (syringomyelia) or in the brain (hydrocephalus).Ĭhiari is often misdiagnosed because the wide variety of bony and soft tissue problems can cause a wide array of possible symptoms (headache, neck pain, dizziness, arm numbness or weakness, sleep problems, etc.) Headache in the back of the head that worsens with coughing, sneezing, or straining is a hallmark sign. Instead of moving in an easy, pulsating movement through this opening, the fluid begins to force its way through – like a water hammer – pushing the tonsils down even farther. The herniated tissue blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
So if you’d like to learn more about Chiari malformation or support the Conquer Chiari cause, please visit I malformation and syringomyelia OverviewĬhiari (pronounced key-AR-ee) malformation is a condition in which the lower part of the brain, called the cerebellar tonsil, herniates down through the skull and into the spinal canal. According to the Conquer Chiari website, one person out of 1,000 has a Chiari malformation. I hope that over time I, along with others in the community, can continue to work to raise awareness about Chiari malformation and to support the research being done to help those affected by it.
My heart goes out to the victims and the families affected by this disease. I think the resolution was just the first step to show support for the victims and families who face challenges in their daily lives as a result of this debilitating disease. I did so after I was contacted by Valerie Ferguson, who lives in our community, asking for assistance to help support her and others with Chiari. Chiari malformation is a serious neurological disorder that affects more than 300,000 people in the U.S.ĭuring the 2011 legislative session, I authored a resolution recognizing September as Chiari Malformation Month in Indiana. This results in the compression of parts of the brain and spinal cord disrupting the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid which bathes the brain and spinal cord). I met many families who have been affected by Chiari malformation, and I was pleased that so many people from our community could make it out to show their support as well.įor those who aren’t familiar with Chiari malformation, it is a neurological condition that causes debilitating headaches, neck pain, weakness and numbness in the limbs, balance problems, visual disturbances and a host of other symptoms.Ĭhiari malformations are located at the base of the skull and occur when part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull into the spinal area. Last weekend, I participated in the fifth annual Conquer Chiari Walk at Garvin Park. Conquer Chiari Walk helps support victims and families
0 kommentar(er)
