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Chiari Research Paper

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Throughout researching Chiari, I have learned that Chiari is not only rare, but research is limited. In my essay I have defined key components of Chiari and it affects. I looked at who has chiari, why they have it and how they cope with it. Chiarians around the world have come together to find find a cure and I believe that with further research and investigation, not only a cure can be found but also a diagnostic test. The history of Chiari goes back all the way to the 17th century. That’s when reports were first published of hindbrain herniation. Hindbrain herniation had only been seen in the presence of patients with myelomeningoceles. According to The Chiari Malformations, Hindbrain herniation was found alone in 1881 by Langhans. 10 years …show more content…

Type one doesn’t always cause symptoms and is the only type of Chiari that can be developed. This form of Chiari is usually discovered after an accident of some sort and is often found during an examination for other conditions. Type one is almost always first noticed as a young adult or adult. Type II or Classic CM is when the cerebellum and brainstem extend into the foramen magnum. Type II is also known as Arnold-Chiari malformation and named after after two significant Chiari researchers. Type two commonly associated with a form of spina bifida that occurs when part of the spinal canal and backbone don’t close before birth. Type III is when cerebellum and spinal cord protrude through the foramen magnum and into the spinal cord. This is the most serious form of Chiari. In very serious and rare cases, part of the brain enters a sac like structure that extends out of the back of the head or neck. It is also possible for the brain or spinal cord covering to protrude through an unusual hole in the back of the skull or back. Arnold-Chiari does cause severe …show more content…

Hydrocephalus is when CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) builds up in the brain, causing increased pressure in the brain. The pressure can cause mental defects and possibly a misshapen skull. Hydrocephalus can occur with any other type of Chiari but it is most often seen with Type II. Severe Hydrocephalus can be fatal if left untreated. Spina Bifida occurs when the spinal cord is either incomplete or underdeveloped. Spina Bifida is most commonly associated with Type II. Syringomyelia is a buildup of CSF, which forms a synix, or a fluid cavity. The growing synix destroys the spinal cord which results in pain and weakness. Other symptoms include, stiffness in the back and shoulders, and loss of extreme feelings of cold and hot. Tethered cord syndrome is another syndrome related to Chiari.Tethered cord syndrome is the attachment of the spinal cord to spine. This disorder can cause permanent damage to the lower bodies muscles and nerves. Spinal curvature is commonly associated with type I Chiari. It is seen most commonly with children whose spine is underdeveloped. According to Conquer Chiari, 60-70% of Chiarians struggle with sleep apnea. A person with sleep apnea stops breathing in their sleep and then wakes up breathing again. Decompression surgery decreases sleep apnea occurrences by 90%. According to The National Organization

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