Chiari Malformation

Greetings!

Fall is around the corner and football season has begun! The kids are back to school and much time is spent in donating to our local food pantries (which keep on giving) and giving to great causes such as ALS but I want to shine some light on something you may not have heard about, Chiari Malformation. “Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. Normally the cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit in an indented space at the lower rear of the skull, above the foramen magnum (a funnel-like opening to the spinal canal). When part of the cerebellum is located below the foramen magnum, it is called a Chiari malformation.

CMs may develop when the bony space is smaller than normal, causing the cerebellum and brain stem to be pushed downward into the foramen magnum and into the upper spinal canal. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem may affect functions controlled by these areas and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)— the clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord—to and from the brain” (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2014).

What does this have to so with agoraphobia? Nothing directly but chronic pain and distress can certainly cause a bounty of anguish. Which in turn chronic pain and anguish can make you a little crazy.

CM’s was actually in an episode of HOUSE-if Gregory House is giving the diagnosis it is usually some weird exotic disease few people have heard of…so really this is some serious sh#%!

“Individuals with CM may complain of neck pain, balance problems, muscle weakness, numbness or other abnormal feelings in the arms or legs, dizziness, vision problems, difficulty swallowing, ringing or buzzing in the ears, hearing loss, vomiting, insomnia, depression, or headache made worse by coughing or straining. Hand coordination and fine motor skills may be affected. Symptoms may change for some individuals, depending on the buildup of CSF and resulting pressure on the tissues and nerves. Persons with a Type I CM may not have symptoms. Adolescents and adults who have CM but no symptoms initially may, later in life, develop signs of the disorder. Infants may have symptoms from any type of CM and may have difficulty swallowing, irritability when being fed, excessive drooling, a weak cry, gagging or vomiting, arm weakness, a stiff neck, breathing problems, developmental delays, and an inability to gain weight.”  (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2014). Not pretty and hard to pin point a diagnosis. In addition people suffering from CM can also suffer from hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and an overall long list of un pleasantries.

BRAIN
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
(800) 352-9424
http://www.ninds.nih.gov

 

http://www.conquerchiari.org/index.html

 

http://www.chiarifund.org/

 

“I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up, no matter what else happened.” -  Wilma Rudolph

Love and Light!

Agoraphobia Gurl

This one is for you Lisa!

 

 

 

Reference

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke(2014). Retrieved from: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/detail_chiari.htm