Arnold-Chiari anomaly

The Arnold-Chiari anomaly is accompanied by a dystopy (dislocation) of the structures in the posterior fossa of the skull, with their displacement through the large opening of the occiput beyond the skull into the vertebral canal. There is a shift in the tonsils or part of the cerebellum toward the upper part of the spinal canal.

There are four types of this pathology. Anomaly Arnold-Chiari type 1 is manifested by the displacement of the tonsils of the cerebellum, not accompanied by additional anomalies of cerebral development. This type is manifested in people after thirty years. The second type is the disruption of the location of some structures in the posterior cranial fossa and the amygdala of the cerebellum. Most often this type is detected in children. The third type of anomaly is the violation of the location of almost all structures in the posterior cranial fossa. The manifestation of this type is incompatible with life. The fourth type of anomaly is inherently considered a variant of the underdevelopment of the cerebellum. Modern neurosurgery classifies him as a Dandy-Walker syndrome.

When the cerebellum is pressed into the upper part of the spinal canal, a normal outflow of the cerebrospinal fluid protects the spinal cord and brain. Disturbances in the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid can cause blockade of signals transmitted from the brain to the organs or the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. The pressure that the cerebellum exerts on the spinal cord can cause syringomyelia.

According to many experts, the anomaly of Arnold-Chiari is considered a hereditary disease. However, it should be noted that studies aimed at studying this factor are at an early stage.

Many patients suffering from this pathology do not show signs or symptoms. Such patients are not prescribed treatment. The detection of the disease occurs only in the diagnosis of other diseases.

The development of the disease in most cases is accompanied by a headache provoked by coughing, physical overstrain or sneezing, numbness and tingling in the hands, a violation of sensitivity to temperatures and, consequently, frequent burns. In addition, the disease is characterized by pain in the occipital or cervical region, periodically descending to the shoulders. There are difficulties with maintaining balance (uneven gait) and weakening the coordination of hands.

Due to the fact that many symptoms of the disease are often associated with other ailments, it is necessary to undergo a complete diagnosis.

Diagnostic measures begin with examination and questioning of the patient. If the patient complains of pain in the head, but the cause of their occurrence is not clear to the specialist, an MRI will be prescribed. Diagnosis allows you to accurately identify the presence of the disease.

In some cases, the Arnold-Chiari anomaly becomes a progressive disease, leading to very serious complications. These include hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain). In this case, it becomes necessary to use a flexible tube for pumping cerebrospinal fluid into another area of the body. Complications of the disease include paralysis. It develops as a result of cerebrospinal compression. Syringomyelia also refers to possible complications. It is accompanied by the formation in the spine of a cyst or cavity, which is filled with fluid and disrupts spinal activity.

Patients who have an Arnold-Chiari anomaly, treatment is prescribed according to the severity of the condition. In cases of absence of symptoms, as a rule, regular observations and examinations are scheduled. When developing primary symptoms, the doctor may prescribe pain medications. However, most often the treatment of the disease is performed surgically.