All About Chiari Malformation

Today’s imaging tests tell us more about the shape and condition of your brain, skull, and spine than ever before. Many cases of Chiari Malformation went undiagnosed before modern imaging. Today, this condition, which may cause headaches, neck pain, breathing difficulties, and more, can be accurately identified in adult and pediatric patients.

Expert neurosurgeon Dr. Beejal Y. Amin of Hinsdale and Woodridge, Illinois, stays at the cutting edge of medical science. In this blog, Dr. Amin gives you more information about Chiari Malformation and the impact this condition of your skull can have on your brain or spinal development. Here’s everything you need to know about Chiari Malformation.

The three types of Chiari Malformation

When your skull doesn’t develop in the right shape or doesn’t grow to its typical size, you can experience a Chiari malformation. In this condition, your brain tissue protrudes into your spinal space. Brain or spine development may be negatively impacted, depending on the details of your condition.

Chiari malformation comes in three distinct types, depending on the shape of the malformation and the developmental results produced.

Type 1

Symptoms typically don’t appear until adolescence or adulthood. Your primary symptom may be bad headaches after coughing, sneezing, or straining yourself. You may also suffer from neck pain, hand weakness and tingling, or struggle with balance issues. This Chiari Malformation is common and often remains mild or even asymptomatic.

Type 2

A congenital condition present at birth, often detected on prenatal ultrasounds or diagnosed very early in life, this type of malformation frequently causes childhood symptoms. The more brain tissue protruding into the spinal canal due to this type of Chiari Malformation generally leads to problems related to breathing and swallowing.

Very commonly, this condition occurs alongside a type of spina bifida known as myelomeningocele. When this happens, the backbone and spinal canal fail to close completely during infant development.

Type 3

The most severe form of a Chiari malformation is also congenital. In type 3, portions of the brainstem protrude through the skull. Typically diagnosed during pregnancy and presenting with infant and childhood symptoms, this condition increases the risk of nervous system dysfunction and even death.

The right way to proceed after getting this diagnosis depends significantly on the type of malformation and the presence or absence of any adverse impacts or symptoms.

Addressing the impacts of Chiari Malformation

In some cases, you might have this type of condition and remain completely asymptomatic for your whole life. Imaging tests taken for other health care needs may reveal the diagnosis; however, if you have no symptoms, you may not need further treatment or intervention.

If a Chiari malformation creates harmful health impacts, Dr. Amin works with you on a customized treatment plan. You may only need interventions like pain management for type 1-related headaches. 

More critical symptoms may require more intensive treatment. Surgery can often successfully address harmful symptoms from pressure on your brain and spinal canal. Dr. Amin uses minimally invasive techniques for your procedure whenever possible.

Surgical treatment for Chiari Malformation aims to prevent damage to the nervous system and reduce disruptive symptoms. Existing nerve damage related to your condition may not be reversible through surgery, but your procedure can prevent further damage.

If you or a loved one need support with this type of brain and spine care, contact Dr. Amin for a knowledgeable, experienced diagnosis and treatment. You can book a consultation and an appointment online or over the phone today.