Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

My sister has a condition called Chiari malformation. It's never bothered her until now. Last year, she had her appendix removed. She's had problems ever since with neck and back pain. Sometimes she loses normal sensation in her hands and feet. What's the connection?

It's possible there is a connection between your sister's Chiari malformation (CM) and her appendectomy. But it's also possible the two are separate, unrelated problems.

And without a before and after MRI, it may not be possible to find out what happened. The MRI would show changes in the position of the cerebellum and the amount and location of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

In CM, the cerebellum (part of the brain at the base of the skull) slides down through the opening for the spinal cord. Pressure on the cerebellum can cause serious neurologic symptoms. The CSF around the brain normally moves in gentle waves with every heartbeat.

Anything that blocks CSF movement can cause it to build up in tube-shaped pockets along the spine. These pockets of CSF are called syrinxes. Pressure from the syrinx can damage and even destroy the spinal cord.

Problems could have occurred if your sister had a spinal injection of anesthetic for her appendectomy. The procedure could have caused a tear in the lining around the spinal cord. CSF could have leaked out, collecting in a little pool around the base of the spinal canal.

Pressure on the spinal cord from the built up fluid could have caused her symptoms. Careful study of MRIs may help identify the cause of the problem. The treatment is likely to be decompression of the spinal cord.

The surgeon will remove a piece of bone from around the cerebellum. Symptoms usually resolve quickly after this operation. In the future, your sister should make sure her doctors and surgeons know she has a CM before planning any treatment for her.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.