Overview
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. One type often happens in children who have neural tube defects.
Symptoms
Some types 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
Exams & Tests
Doctors diagnose CM using imaging tests.
Treatment
Medicines may ease some symptoms, such as pain. Surgery is the only treatment available to correct or stop the progression of nerve damage.
Source
Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine
