Chiari Malformation Awareness Month

September is Chiari Malformation Awareness Month. Chiari malformation is a condition in which the cerebellum (the bottom part of the brain) is pushed down onto the top of the spine. There are three types of Chiari malformation, and they have different symptoms, the most common of which is severe headaches. Complications include hydrocephalus, spina bifida, syringomyelia, and tethered cord syndrome. Treatment isn't needed for some cases of Chiari malformation while surgery is necessary for others. For more information, go to http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chiari-malformation/basics/definition/CON-20031115.

 

Image obtained from medindia.net