Chiari malformation
AreChiari I malformations serious?
The severity of Chiari malformations can vary from person to person, but generally:
- Chiari I malformations aren't considered life-threatening
- some people experience painful headaches, movement problems and other unpleasant symptoms(see below), but many people won't have any symptoms
- there'sa chance of developingsyringomyelia (where a fluid-filled cavity called asyrinxdevelops in the spinal cord), which can damagethe spinal cord if not treated promptly
- surgerycan usually stopthe symptoms getting worseand can sometimes improve them, although someproblems may remain
Talk to your doctor about what the condition means, what the implications may be for your health and what treatment you may need.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out what a Chiari malformation is, what problems it may cause, why it happens and how it can be treated.
AreChiari I malformations serious?
The severity of Chiari malformations can vary from person to person, but generally: Chiari I malformations aren't considered life-threatening some people experience painful headaches, movement proble
Symptomsof Chiari I malformations
Many people with a Chiari I malformation will not have any symptoms. Sometimes they'reonly foundafter an (MRI) scanof the brainis carried out for another reason.If symptoms do develop, theycan include
TreatmentsforChiari I malformations
Treatment for Chiari I malformation depends on whether you have any symptoms and how severe they are. You might not need any treatment if you don't have any symptoms.Painkillers can help relieve any h
CausesofChiari I malformations
The exact cause of Chiari I malformations is unknown. It tends to be present from birth, but is normally only found in adulthood when symptoms develop or when an MRI scan is done. Many cases are thoug
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products