Chiari Malformation at American Neurospine Institute with Dr. Ripul Panchal
Welcome to the American Neurospine Institute, where we diagnose and treat Chiari malformation. Dr. Ripul Panchal is a board-certified neurosurgeon dedicated to enhancing your health and well-being. Explore our Q&A, symptoms, treatment information, and contact us at (972) 806-1188.
Q&A About Chiari Malformation:
What is Chiari Malformation?
Chiari malformation is a condition in which the lower part of the cerebellum, called the cerebellar tonsils, extends below the opening at the base of the skull into the spinal canal. This crowding can put pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord and block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
What causes Chiari Malformation?
Most Chiari malformations are present at birth and occur when the back of the skull is too small for the brain tissue it holds. Many people are not diagnosed until adulthood, when symptoms first appear or an MRI is done for another reason.
What are the common symptoms of Chiari Malformation?
The most common symptom is a headache at the back of the head that gets worse with coughing, sneezing, or straining. Other symptoms include neck pain, dizziness, balance problems, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty swallowing, and ringing in the ears. Some patients develop a fluid-filled cavity in the spinal cord called a syrinx.
How is Chiari Malformation treated?
People without symptoms may only need monitoring with periodic MRI scans. When symptoms affect daily life or a syrinx develops, the most common surgery is posterior fossa decompression, which removes a small piece of bone at the back of the skull, and sometimes part of the top vertebra, to give the brain more room and restore the flow of spinal fluid.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Chiari Malformation Treatment:
- Headaches: Pain at the back of the head that worsens with coughing, sneezing, or straining.
- Balance Problems: Dizziness, unsteadiness, or poor coordination.
- Numbness and Tingling: Abnormal sensations in the hands, arms, or feet.
- Swallowing Difficulty: Trouble swallowing or frequent choking.
Chiari Malformation Treatment Benefits:
- Relief of pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord.
- Restored flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Reduced headaches and neurological symptoms for many patients.
- Ongoing monitoring with advanced imaging.
Ready to learn more about Chiari malformation treatment? Contact us at (972) 806-1188 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ripul Panchal and our dedicated team.
