CHIARI

MALFORMATION
By
LYLIANE MBAH
ANGELINE MOTARI
ELLENOR CHANCE
VIDA KWOFI

DEFINATION
Chiari Malformation (CM): A structural defect in
the cerebellum in which brain tissue extends into
the spinal canal (National Institute of Health (NIH), 2014)
CM may also develop when the bony space is
smaller than normal causing the cerebellum and
brain stem to be pushed downwards into the
foremen magnum and the upper spinal canal
(NIH, 2014)

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

CAUSES
Congenital/ Primary
Structural defects in the brain & spinal cord during
fetal development.
Lack of proper vitamins and nutrients in maternal diet
Genetic mutation

Acquired/ Secondary
Injury
Exposure to harmful substances
Infection

RISK FACTORS
No known risk factors for Chiari malformation
Genetics and heredity may play a role
However these factors havent been confirmed by
research

(The Mount
Sinai Hospital, 2014)

CLASSIFICATION
CM is classified according to:
Severity of the disorder
Parts of the brain that protrude into spinal canal

There are 4 main types

Type I
Type II
Type III
Type IV
(NIH, 2014)

CLASSIFICATION
Type I:
The base of the skull and upper spinal area are not
properly formed.
It is the most common and only type that is acquired.
It is asymptomatic at birth and childhood and becomes
noticeable in adolescence or adulthood
(Columbian Neurosurgeon, 2014)

CLASSIFICATION
Type II aka Arnold Chiari Malformation
Most common pediatric form of CM.
The cerebellar and the brain stem tissue extend into the
foramen magnum.
Usually associated with hydrocephalus and spinal
bifida.
Partial or complete paralysis of the area below the
spinal opening.
(NIH, 2014)

CLASSIFICATION

Type III: The back of the brain protrudes out of an opening

in the back of the skull area.

Most serious form of CM

Causes severe neurological defects

Type IV: cerebellar hypoplasia

The back of the brain fails to develop normally

Rare and most severe form

(Columbian Neurosurgeon, 2014)

 http://www.disabledworld.com/calculators-charts/childbmi.php

REFERENCE PAGE

Columbian Neurosurgeons: Chiari Malformation. Department of Neurosurgery.

Retrieved December 5,2014 from columbianneurosurgery.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Chiari Malformation Fact
Sheets. National Institute of health. Retrieved December 5,2014 from ninds.nih.gov
The Mount Sinai Hospital. (2014). Chiari malformation. Retrieved from
http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/service-areas/neurology/diseases-andconditions/chiari-malformation