About this topic
Arnold-Chiari syndrome is also called a Chiari malformation or CM. It is a defect in the lower part of the brain called the cerebellum. This part of the brain controls balance, coordination, and muscle movement. Sometimes, the brain stem is involved too. The brain stem controls things like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. ‚
In most cases, there is a hole at the bottom of the skull for the spinal cord. The cerebellum and the brain stem are just above this hole, at the bottom of the skull. With a Chiari malformation, these two parts go down into the hole for the spinal cord. This can cause pressure to slow the flow of spinal fluid. Some people with this problem never have any signs. Others have serious problems. CM is grouped into 4 types: ‚
- Type I is the most common kind. With this, only the lower cerebellum goes into the hole. You may not have any signs. This is often found by chance in teenage years or as an adult during testing for other problems. It is the only type that can happen later in life.
- Type II is also known as classic CM. Both the lower cerebellum and brainstem go into the hole. It is often connected to a kind of spina bifida. You may have partial or total paralysis.
- Type III CM has the cerebellum, brainstem, and part of the brain into the hole. There are often severe nerve problems.
- Type IV is very rare. The cerebellum is not fully developed.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs that your doctor tells you to take.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to an expert called a neurologist or neurosurgeon. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Ease other signs
Will physical activity be limited?
If some activities make your signs worse, your doctor will have you avoid these activities. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
Sometimes, people with CM also have these problems that need treatment: ‚
- Hydrocephalus
- Spina bifida
- Cysts in the spinal canal
- Spinal cord attaches to the bones of the spine. This is tethered cord syndrome.
- Spine curves to the side or front
- Children with CM may have some behavior or thinking problems.
Surgery or other treatments may be needed to ease spinal cord pressure. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing that can be done to prevent this problem. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Headaches are worse
- Problems with hand coordination
- Problems walking
- Problems swallowing or talking
- Changes in seeing or hearing
- Arms or legs feel numb or weak
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more headaches or problems talking, swallowing, or walking.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/chiari.html ‚
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/detail_chiari.htm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chiari-malformation/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚