Chiari I malformation
Chiari I malformation is a condition in which the bony space enclosing the lower part of the brain is smaller than normal. Crowding causes the cerebellar tonsils to push through the skull and down into the spinal canal. The herniated tonsils block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Instead of moving in an easy, pulsating movement through this opening, the fluid begins to force its way through – like a water hammer – pushing the tonsils down even farther and exerting pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord. Symptoms may not appear until late childhood or adulthood, causing severe headache, neck pain, dizziness, numbness in the hands, and sleep problems.
Treatment options depend on the type of malformation and severity of symptoms. If symptoms are mild, regular monitoring and medications can be effective. If symptoms are severe or worsening, surgery may be recommended to remove a part of the skull bone and create space for the cerebellum and brainstem.
Of the several types of Chiari malformations, Chiari I is the most common and affects both children and adults. Chiari II occurs with the birth defect myelomeningocele. Chiari types III and IV are rare but severe herniations that affect infants.
Anatomy of Chiari & CSF system
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, watery substance that flows within and around the brain and spinal cord to help cushion it from injury. This fluid is produced inside the ventricles by the choroid plexus and is constantly being absorbed and replenished. The CSF flows through the ventricles and out into the space between the brain and skull (subarachnoid space) and down into the spinal canal (Fig. 1). As the heart beats, CSF flows into the brain. This is normally balanced by CSF then flowing from the brain into the spinal compartment. In a Chiari malformation, this balanced flow is disrupted. The obstructed CSF begins to force its way like a water hammer through the foramen magnum. Pushing the tonsils down even farther, it exerts pressure on the brainstem. The increasing pressure compromises normal functions of the brain and/or spinal cord and a myriad of symptoms occur. Excess CSF can collect and enlarge either the ventricles in the brain (hydrocephalus), or form a cyst in the spinal cord (syringomyelia).
Figure 1. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates through the ventricles inside the brain to the subarachnoid spaces surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The cerebellum is located under the brain in the posterior fossa. Its function is to coordinate muscle movements, maintain posture, and balance. The cerebellum is also involved in cognitive functions (e.g., attention, language), memory, and learning. In people with Chiari, the cerebellar tonsils are stretched as they push through the foramen magnum.
What is a Chiari I malformation?
The condition begins with the underdevelopment of the fetal skull forming during pregnancy. During childhood, the brain continues to grow and the skull hardens. However, the small size or shape of the Chiari skull is mismatched to the size of the brain. Thus, a crowding of the brainstem, cerebellum, and tonsils occurs. Crowding pushes the tonsils out of the skull through the opening (foramen magnum) where the spinal cord exits (Fig. 2). Herniation of the cerebellar tonsils can extend several millimeters below the foramen magnum. The tonsils put pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord, block CSF flow, and result in the Chiari signs and symptoms. Sometimes a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) develops within the spinal cord.
Figure 2. Normal anatomy of the cerebellum (left). Chiari I malformation (right). With the size of the posterior fossa too small, the cerebellar tonsils may herniate through the skull into the spinal canal. The tonsils block the flow of CSF (blue) and may cause fluid buildup inside the spinal cord, called a syrinx.
Syringomyelia, hydrocephalus, and other complications. When cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow is obstructed and collects within the spinal canal, it can eventually form a syrinx. This condition, called syringomyelia, damages the spinal cord. The compressed nerve fibers inside the cord cause a wide variety of symptoms. Problems affect the arms or legs, or affect feeling, strength, or balance. Syringomyelia affects about 65% of patients with Chiari I malformation .
In some cases, the CSF collects within the ventricles of the brain (hydrocephalus); this condition may require placement of a shunt to divert this excess fluid. Bony abnormalities, which affect about 25% of patients, can include basilar invagination, scoliosis, and cranial cervical instability.
What are the symptoms?
Chiari I symptoms vary from person to person and are not necessarily related to the size of tonsillar herniation. Some people with large herniations have no symptoms (asymptomatic). Yet others with small herniations have severe symptoms. When symptoms are present, they are often vague or nonspecific. As a result, the diagnosis of Chiari is often delayed until more severe symptoms occur or after current symptoms persist for some time. Symptoms are caused by disruption of the CSF flow and compression of nervous tissues.
Because the brainstem is responsible for most body functions, Chiari causes all kinds of strange symptoms. People may experience symptoms that range from headache to irritable bowel. The five most common symptoms are:
1. Pressure-like headaches at the back of the skull that worsen with physical strain or coughing; often with neck pain
2. Hoarseness or swallowing problems
3. Sleep apnea
4. Weakness or numbness in an extremity
5. Balance problems
People with Chiari I often develop symptoms during their teen or early adult years. The disorder is also seen in young children and older adults. In some cases, a head or neck injury from a car accident or sports injury triggers the onset of symptoms.
Table 1. Common symptoms of Chiari I and syringomyelia.
Pressure-like headaches at back of skull
Headaches worsen with coughing, sneezing
Neck and shoulder pain
Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
Trouble walking (gait), imbalance
Difficulty swallowing, gagging
Facial pain, numbness, or tingling
Hoarseness, change in voice
Snoring / sleep apnea
Fatigue / insomnia
Problems with memory / concentration
Nervousness / anxiety / depression
Trouble speaking, word finding
Blurred or double vision
Jerking eye movements (nystagmus)
Difficulty tracking or following objects
Irregular heart beat
Black out spells / syncope
Headaches (due to Chiari malformation)
Loss of sensitivity, especially to hot and cold
Muscle weakness and spasticity
Numbness in hands and feet
Pain in neck, arms and back
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Patients with Chiari I malformations often develop symptoms during their teen or early adult years. Less often, the disorder is seen in young children and older adults. In some cases, trauma triggers the onset of symptoms.
The symptoms are complex, progressing over time. Because of this complexity, the condition is often misdiagnosed. At times, Chiari I malformation is mistaken for fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, sinus disease, multiple sclerosis, and other complex disorders of the nervous system. Some patients have waited for years before an accurate diagnosis is made. Accurate diagnosis and plan of treatment is important before the patient’s nervous system suffers permanent injury.
What are the causes?
Bony abnormalities occur during embryonic development in patients affected by Chiari. In Chiari I, the posterior fossa may be smaller than normal. If too small, the effects can be crowding of the brainstem and cerebellum, as well as herniation of the tonsils through the foramen magnum.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder that may increase the incidence and severity of Chiari. EDS causes joint hypermobility and loose/unstable joints.
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. There is a high rate of scoliosis associated with Chiari and syringomyelia, especially in children.
Who is affected?
Chiari I is seen on MRI scans in people of all ages. Its incidence was earlier estimated to affect 1 in every 1,000 births. Now with increasing use of diagnostic imaging, physicians note that Chiari may be far more common. Patients typically seek medical attention in their 20s and 30s. Three times more women than men are affected. Genetic studies show that Chiari may cluster in some families.
How is a diagnosis made?
The complex symptoms of Chiari I malformation can mimic other diseases – often leading to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment. At times, Chiari I is mistaken for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, multiple sclerosis, mental disorder, depression, sinus disease, trigeminal neuralgia, or other neurologic disorders.
There is no specific test to confirm Chiari. Rather, a diagnosis is made by assessment of the patient’s symptoms, neurological exam, and MRI findings (i.e., tonsillar herniation, bone deformity, CSF blockage, syrinx). A complete medical history and physical exam can determine if your symptoms are related to Chiari or another problem.
A neurological exam detects problems with cranial nerves such as gag reflex, facial numbness, hoarseness, double vision, tremors, and vision problems. You may be asked to see an eye (ophthalmologist) or ear (otolaryngologist) specialist, or to undergo a sleep evaluation. Your doctor will order one or more imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. These include:
Your doctor will order one or more imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. These include:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a noninvasive test used to evaluate the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding CSF. MRI can identify the extent of cerebellar herniation (Fig. 3). The herniation may reach to the level of the first two vertebra (C1 or C2) of the cervical spine. Herniation of the tonsils is often measured in millimeters (mm) below the foramen magnum. The classic definition of Chiari I is herniation greater than 5mm below the foramen magnum. However, the size of herniation seen on MRI does not closely correlate with symptoms. Someone without herniation may have severe symptoms while another with 20-mm herniation may have no symptoms. MRI of the spine can detect abnormal accumulations of CSF within the spinal cord (Fig 4). This fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) is surrounded by stretched tissues of the spinal cord.
Figure 3. An MRI of the brain shows the cerebellar tonsils (arrow) herniating through the foramen magnum (yellow line).
Figure 4. An MRI of the neck shows a collection of CSF in the spinal cord (yellow arrows) called a syrinx.
Figure 5. A cine MRI movie shows the flow of CSF fluid (white) is blocked by the herniated tonsils in the foramen magnum.
Cine MRI is a special MRI study used to observe cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. With each heartbeat, CSF is forced out of the ventricle of the brain, into the cisterna magna, and down the spinal canal. When the heart relaxes, the CSF flow reverses. The movie-like cine MRI captures the fluid movement (Fig. 5). The test can determine if, and by how much, a Chiari is blocking the back-and-forth flow of CSF between the brain and spine.
Computed tomography (CT) scan is used to view the bony skull base and spinal column. It can detect thickened bone or previous trauma.
X-rays of the neck may be taken in flexion and extension to view the bony vertebrae. These images can help your doctor identify any instability at the craniocervical area.
What treatments are available?
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the extent of tonsillar herniation, and the presence of other conditions such as syringomyelia.
Observation (watch and wait)
Monitoring by regular check-ups and periodic MRI scans may be recommended for those with mild or no symptoms. Headache can be relieved with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving drugs. Minimize neck strain in daily activities and while sleeping; use a good pillow. Avoid injury or manipulation of the neck as it can make the herniation worse or aggravate the spinal cord. Patients should closely monitor their symptoms. If symptoms worsen or if new ones develop, consult with a neurosurgeon who is a Chiari expert.
Surgery is advised for those with moderate to severe symptoms or with a syrinx. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by herniation of the cerebellar tonsils, and relieve compression of the brainstem. The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours. Recovery in the hospital usually lasts 2 to 4 days. During posterior fossa decompression surgery, removal of bone (craniectomy) at the back of the skull and spine widens the foramen magnum. The surgeon opens the dura overlying the tonsils and sews a dura patch to expand the space, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants (Fig. 5). After surgery, symptoms related to the blockage of CSF should decrease as flow normalizes.
Figure 6. Posterior fossa decompression surgery removes bone and creates more space for the brainstem and cerebellum. The dura is opened and a patch is sewn to enlarge the CSF space.
Clinical trials are research studies in which new treatments—drugs, diagnostics, procedures, and other therapies—are tested in people to see if they are safe and effective. Research is always being conducted to improve the standard of medical care. Information about current clinical trials, including eligibility, protocol, and locations, are found on the Web. Studies can be sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (see clinicaltrials.gov) as well as private industry and pharmaceutical companies (see www.centerwatch.com).
Sources & links
If you have questions, please contact the Mayfield Chiari Center at 800-325-7787 or 513-221-1100.
- Milhorat TH, Chou MW, Trinidad EM, Kula RW, Mandell M, Wolpert C, Speer MC. Chiari I malformation redefined: clinical and radiographic findings for 364 symptomatic patients. Neurosurgery 44(5):1005-17, 1999
- Bindal AK, Dunsker SB, Tew JM Jr. Chiari I malformation: classification and management. Neurosurgery 37(6):1069-74, 19
American Syringomyelia Alliance Project
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): a clear fluid produced by the choroid plexus in the ventricles of the brain. CSF bathes the brain and spinal cord, giving them support and buoyancy to protect from injury.
craniectomy: surgical removal of a portion of the skull.
dura mater: the outer protective covering of the brain.
hydrocephalus: an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid usually caused by a blockage of the ventricular system of the brain. Increased intracranial pressure can compress and damage brain tissue.
syringomyelia: a chronic progressive disease of the spinal cord caused by an obstruction of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow that redirects the fluid into the spinal cord to form a syrinx.
syrinx: a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord.
updated > 4.2016
reviewed by > Andrew Ringer, MD, John M. Tew, MD and Nancy McMahon, RN, Mayfield Clinic / University of Cincinnati Department of Neurosurgery, Ohio