Arnold Chiari Malformation is a condition in which the back part of the brain called the cerebellum can become elongated and trapped in an opening at the bottom of the skull.
SYMPTOMS
Some of the symptoms include headache, loss of balance, tingling and numbness in the arms.
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose Arnold Chiari Malformation your neurosurgeon usually performs a history and physical examination and orders an MRI of your brain and/or cervical spine.
TREATMENT
When the symptoms are not severe, some of the symptoms of Arnold Chiari Malformation can be relieved by physical therapy and taking medications to relieve some of the discomfort.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
Surgery for Arnold Chiari Malformation usually includes posterior fossa craniectomy and upper cervical laminectomy. In this procedure, your neurosurgeon will create more room for the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes your neurosurgeon may also open the lining of the brain and spinal cord and put a patch in it to give more room.