Chiari malformation is a condition where part of the cerebellum (at the base of the brain) sits lower than normal and extends into the spinal canal.
Many people have no symptoms. Others get headaches that get worse with coughing or straining, neck pain, balance or coordination problems, swallowing difficulty, or numbness and weakness in the arms or legs.
Imaging confirms the diagnosis, measures how much of the cerebellum has descended, and looks for related findings such as syringomyelia inside the spinal cord.
MRI of the brain and cervical spine is the best test; it shows the position of the cerebellum, CSF flow, and any associated changes.
Many people need only monitoring. Those with significant symptoms or syringomyelia may benefit from neurosurgical decompression.
This entry explains the condition. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
