Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)


Other names people use for this condition
  • Arnold Chiari malformation
  • Chiari malformation
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Arnold-Chiari malformation
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Arnold Chiari malformations are structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. When the indented bony space at the lower rear of the skull is smaller than normal, the cerebellum and brainstem can be pushed downward. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord) and can cause a range of symptoms including dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, headache, and problems with balance and coordination. Treatment may require surgery. Many patients with the more severe types of Chiari malformations who undergo surgery see a reduction in their symptoms and/or prolonged periods of relative stability, however paralysis is generally permanent despite surgery.

There are four types of Chiari malformations. The types tend to correspond with the degree of severity, with type 1 being the most common and least severe. Some people with type 1 have no symptoms and do not require treatment.

Arnold-Chiari malformation type 1
Arnold-Chiari malformation type 2
Arnold-Chiari malformation type 3
Arnold-Chiari malformation type 4



References
  1. NINDS Chiari Malformation Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). 2007 Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/chiari.htm. Accessed April 6, 2009.

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More Detailed Information (Found 3 resources)
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    • eMedicine provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free
    • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
    • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Arnold-Chiari malformation. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
 
NLM Gateway (Found 1 resource)
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    • NLM Gateway allows users to search many resources offered on the National Library of Medicine's Web site at once to quickly find more information about this condition. Some of the resources may be a duplicate of the resources listed on this page. To search NLM Gateway, click on the link; the condition name will already be in the search box, so you can just click the “Search” button.
 
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    • Family Village is a global community that integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with cognitive and other disabilities, for their families, and for those who provide services and support. Click on Family Villiage to view the resource page on Arnold-Chiari malformation.
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Support Groups (Found 9 resources)
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  • Live Chat/E-mail Lists

    • The National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) has partnered with Inspire.com to launch an online community for people with rare diseases called The NORD Rare Disease Community. This community connects medical patients, family members, caregivers, and professionals. Click on The NORD Rare Disease Community to learn more.
    • RareShare is an online social hub dedicated to patients, families and healthcare professionals affected by rare medical disorders. Click on RareShare to learn more.
  • Parent Matching Organizations

    • Madisons Foundation
      P.O. Box 241956
      Los Angeles, CA 90024
      Telephone: 310-264-0826
      Fax: 310-264-4766
      E-mail: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org  
      Web site: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org/  
    • MUMS National Parent to Parent Network puts parents in touch with other parents who have children with this condition or similar symptoms.

      MUMS National Parent to Parent Network
      150 Custer Court
      Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-1243
      Toll-free: 877-336-5333 (Parents only please)
      Telephone: 920-336-5333
      Fax: 1-920-339-0995
      E-mail: mums@netnet.net  
      Web site: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
 
Clinical Trials & Research (Found 1 resource)
Resources where you may find research studies and clinical trials

    • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Arnold-Chiari malformation. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

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