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What is Chiari Malformation?

Chiari Malformation is a serious neurological disorder where the bottom of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and the spine.

Chiari is a non-curable condition at this point in time. However, the symptoms can be treated with medication and surgery.

The most common symptom amoung adults is severe headaches which usually occur in the back of the head. These severe headaches can be made worse by straining, coughing, sneezing or bending over. Amoung young children, the symptoms are related to the mouth and throat. These symptoms are reflux, gagging, feeding problems, raspy voice and chronic coughing. Other possible symptoms are extreme pain in the neck and shoulders; trouble swallowing and sometimes speaking; respiratory problems and sleep apnea; loss of bladder and bowel control; loss of fine motor control; weakness, stiffness and pain in the arms and legs; balance problems; and numbness in the hands and feet leading to the inability to feel the difference between hot and cold.

Those individuals with Chiari may also experience symptoms related to the condition, Syringomelia.

Some facts about Chiari: - Affects about 1 in 1,000 individuals - Affects individuals of all races and ages - About 30% of children born with Spina Bifida are also born with a Chiari Malformation. - Causes a wide range and diverse set of symptoms. According to research, 95% of patients have experienced at least 5 symptoms. - Diagnosed using a combination of MRI, neurological exam, physician's judgment, and other tests. Patients often go 5 or more years without being properly diagnosed. - Many patients undergo traumatic surgery in an attempt to relieve the symptoms or stop them from progressing. - Research shows that surgery can improve symptoms for about 80% of patients but fails 20% of the time. Some patients end up with chronic pain, on disability, socially withdrawn and depressed. - Chiari can place a tremendous physical, emotional, mental and economic strain on patients and their families.

Annual Conquer Chiari Walk Across America

The National Charity Walk for Chiari patients to help raise awareness will be held on Saturday, September 26th. The walk is normally about a mile to a mile and a half in length. Please support this cause by joining the Walk on September 26th. For a list of states and their respected locations for the Walk, please visit [1].Not only does the walk help raise awareness for Chiari but it also provides the opportunity to create a support group for those with the condition, whether they are newly diagnosed, have had it for years or just about to undergo surgery.

Other Information

This link, www.neurosurgery-web.com, provides additional information including articles and videos of the various surgeries. The website was created by Dr. Ghassan Bejjani from Pittsburgh, PA who specializes in Chiari surgeries.

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