The abnormality consists
of a downward descent of the lower
portion of the cerebellum called the cerebellar tonsils. In this case, the tonsils
reside more than
the accepted 3-4 mm below the exit of the skull and as such may cause
abnormal
changes that reflect compression of the brain stem and abnormal brain
fluid
dynamics. This is a
not a fatal
condition. The
surgical treatment is
very satisfactory.
In the very young,
failure to thrive, headaches and
scoliosis are the major presenting symptoms.
In later life, as the child gets older,
scoliosis and other symptoms are
evident. We would
refer you to the ASAP.org list of
symptoms. Only
in unusual circumstances such as serious head or neck injury could the
Chiari I
abnormality lead to a serious situation.
Every neurosurgical
training program in the United States
addresses this issue. Most
neurosurgeons
as well as neurologists are familiar with the symptoms, the signs and
the
recognized treatment.
