What percentage of the population has Chiari malformation?

Prevalence. The prevalence in the general population has been estimated at slightly less than one in 1000. The majority of these cases are asymptomatic. Chiari malformations are often detected coincidently among patients who have undergone diagnostic imaging for unrelated reasons.

Is Chiari considered rare?

Although Chiari malformation is still listed as a rare disease by the Office of Rare Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, this categorization is based on outdated data from before the MRI era.

Why is Chiari malformation bad?

A Chiari malformation is a problem in which a part of the brain (the cerebellum) at the back of the skull bulges through a normal opening in the skull where it joins the spinal canal. This puts pressure on parts of the brain and spinal cord, and can cause mild to severe symptoms.

What can you not do with Chiari malformation?

Trampolines, roller coasters, scuba diving, and other activities that apply G forces to the neck. Contact sports to avoid include football, soccer (heading the ball), diving, running, weight lifting, etc. Constipation and straining during bowel movements. Straining can cause formation or worsening of a syrinx.

How long can you live with Chiari malformation?

Patients with Chiari type I malformation, the mildest form of the condition, are typically diagnosed in adulthood and have a normal life expectancy and good outcomes with treatment and/or surgery. Despite extensive malformations, some patients with Chiari II have normal intelligence and can function independently.

Can Chiari cause memory loss?

Cognitive dysfunction is one possible complication of Chiari malformation or the surgery to repair it. The condition and the surgery may cause physical changes to brain tissue and can lead to diffuse cognitive deficits, including problems with attention, memory, executive functioning, and information processing.

Is Chiari malformation 1 Serious?

In some people, Chiari malformation can become a progressive disorder and lead to serious complications. In others, there may be no associated symptoms, and no intervention is necessary. The complications associated with this condition include: Hydrocephalus.

Does Chiari make you tired?

Chiari malformation, a condition in which a portion of the brain pushes through the opening at the base of the skull, can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness and balance problems.

Is Chiari malformation a serious condition?