{"id":2031,"date":"2022-09-21T14:11:56","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T18:11:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mhsi.com\/blog\/?p=2031"},"modified":"2022-09-21T14:11:56","modified_gmt":"2022-09-21T18:11:56","slug":"chiari-malformations-types-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mhsi.com\/blog\/chiari-malformations-types-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiari Malformations: Types & Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\"Holly
Holly S. Gilmer, M.D.<\/a>
Adult & Pediatric Neurosurgery
Peripheral Nerve Surgery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approximately one in 1,000 people<\/a> is affected by a group of brain abnormalities known as Chiari malformations. Named for Hans Chiari, the Austrian pathologist who first described them, Chiari malformations<\/a> affect the brain in the place where the skull meets the spine. Brain tissue extends into the spinal canal because part of the skull is misshapen or undersized and presses the brain downward.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s possible to have a Chiari malformation without knowing it, these abnormalities can cause symptoms that may affect a person’s quality of life. Understanding Chiari malformations, including potential symptoms and treatment options, can help you determine whether you might have one of these malformations.<\/p>\n

Chiari Malformation Types and Symptoms <\/strong><\/p>\n

There are at least five types of Chiari malformations, but the most common types are Chiari I and Chiari II.\u00a0 Chiari I may be congenital, or may develop over time as the brain and skull grow. The main symptom is headaches, but people may also experience:<\/p>\n