What is Arnold-Chiari Malformation? 

Arnold-Chiari malformation is a neurological condition in which the cerebellar tonsils descend into the spinal canal through the foramen magnum. This displacement can cause inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, leading to adhesions that form “web-like layers” . These adhesions, along with the mechanical obstruction created by the tonsils, can disrupt cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow across the foramen of Magendie and Luschka, resulting in the formation of a syrinx within the spinal cord. 

The condition may lead to neurological deficits, neuromuscular scoliosis, neck pain, and other complications, though in some cases, individuals remain asymptomatic. Neurosurgical intervention is often required, which may involve foramen magnum decompression, shrinking of the tonsils, and duraplasty to restore CSF circulation and relieve pressure on neural structures.

#SpineDRx #BringingBackHealth #ArnoldChiariMalformation #Chiari #Neurosurgery #CerebellarTonsils #CSFFlow #Syrinx #SpinalCord #NeurologicalDisorders #ArachnoidAdhesions #ForamenMagnumDecompression #Duraplasty #NeckPain #NeuromuscularScoliosis