Syringomyelia

Symptoms

Symptoms of Chiari I malformations

Many people with a Chiari I malformation will not have any symptoms. Sometimes they're only found after an (MRI) scan of the brain is carried out for another reason.

If symptoms do develop, they can include:

headaches these are usually felt at the back of the head and may be brought on or made worse by coughing, straining, sneezing or bending over
neck pain
dizziness and balance problems
muscle weakness
numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
blurred vision, double vision and sensitivity to light
swallowing problems
hearing loss and tinnitus
feeling and being sick
difficulty sleeping (insomnia) and depression

If you develop syringomyelia, you may also experience problems using your hands, difficulty walking, pain, and problems with bladder or bowel control.

If you've been diagnosed with a Chiari malformation, you should contact your doctor for advice if you develop any new symptoms or your symptoms worsen.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 12 Jul 2016

Articles for syringomyelia

Introduction

A Chiari malformation, previously called an Arnold-Chiari malformation, is where the lower part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal.

Many people with a Chiari I malformation will not have any symptoms. Sometimes they're only found after an (MRI) scan of the brain is carried out for another reason. If you develop syringomyelia, you may also experience problems using your hands, difficulty walking, pain, and problems with bladder or bowel control.

Treatment

Treatment for Chiari I malformation depends on whether you have any symptoms and how severe they are. You might not need any treatment if you don't have any symptoms. Painkillers can help relieve any headaches and neck pain. The main operation for Chiari malformation is called decompression surgery.

Causes

The exact cause of Chiari I malformations is unknown. It tends to be present from birth, but is normally only found in adulthood when symptoms develop or when an MRI scan is done. Many cases are thought to be the result of part of the skull not being large enough for the brain.

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