Chiari Malformation (Type I)

Chiari malformation is considered a congenital condition, where there is downward displacement of cerebellar tonsils beneath the foramen magnum into the cervical spinal canal. This causes he blockage of normal CSF flow between the brain and spine resulting in CSF collections within the spinal canal called syringomyelia.

The patients with Chiari I malformation do not have symptoms until syringomyelia develops. They can have headache, neck pain, loss of sensation and weakness in upper limbs, spasticity, swallowing difficulties and others. MRI of the CV junction will demonstrate the pathology in patients with Chiari I malformation.

Asymptomatic Chiari I patients are just observed. If the patient is having symptoms or if there is syrinx only then they are operated.

These patients undergo surgery- Foramen magnum decompression. The end result to be achieved is –(a) Optimal decompression of nerve tissue, (b) Restoration of normal CSF flow in CV junction.