Chiari malformation type 1 treatment — What should you know?
Chiari malformation occurs when the brain tissues stretch into the spinal canal. The abnormal condition is classified into several types with type I being seen more often. It may not have obvious symptoms but there are still few things you should know about Chiari malformation type I treatment.
You will find all the information you need in the article below.
Symptoms of Chiari type I malformation
Patients diagnosed with Chiari malformation will normally go through three stages with more severe symptoms over time.
People with Chiari malformation type I can suffer signs of the condition during late childhood or adulthood with notable symptoms such as: headaches after sudden coughing or sneezing, balancing issues, neck pain, dizziness, speech problems, and also poor hand coordination, ..
Meanwhile, Chiari malformation type II has more distressing symptoms like breathing pattern changes, problems in swallowing, quick downward eye movements, arms weakness and more. And type III is known as the most serious form of the condition with a portion of the brainstem stretches through an abnormal opening at the skull’s back. It comes with a higher mortality rate and life-threatening neurological issues.
Chiari malformation life expectancy varies with the type one is diagnosed with. Patients’ longevity decreases when the symptoms become more severe. However, people can expect to have normal life expectancy if they get access to proper Chiari malformation type I treatment.
It’s no easy life with people of Chiari malformation, therefore raising awareness on the health condition and showing support to the patients are important. With meaningful chiari malformation quotes, you can deliver positive messages to those around, or even using them as slogans for your social awareness-raising activities. You can also print such quotes out in shirts to show that you care:
Chiari malformation type I diagnosis
At the beginning stage, it’s difficult to detect whether you will have Chiari malformation or not. And you may be diagnosed with Chiari malformation type I when going for an imaging test for other reasons. If you already experience some of the aforementioned symptoms, you can be asked for health history for having a complete check-up for the final result.
For diagnosing a Chiari malformation type I, you will be asked to take one or some of the imaging tests as below:
- MRI: This is the most common method of diagnosing Chiari malformations using a combination of a computer system and large magnets to scan for detailed pictures of our inner bodies.
- CT scan: Using X-rays and a computer system, this scanning type also helps create pictures of our inside bodies.
Chiari malformation type I treatment
Treatment for Chiari malformation type I may vary depending on the patients’ symptoms, health records, ages and other factors. Treatment is often recommended by a neurosurgeon or a neurologist, with expertise in spinal cord issues and brain problems.
- No symptoms: The medical staff will keep close tracks of your health condition. Frequent IRI and physical exams may be required.
- With symptoms: Pain-release medicine will be provided. In case of symptoms getting worsened, you might need to go through Chiari malformation type I surgery. Surgical treatments are to decompress the meetinging point of the skull and the spine, therefore restoring the brain fluid’s normal flow.
- Mild symptoms to none: You will be held in close monitoring with a special MRI test — a cine phase-contrast exam to observe the flow of spinal fluid. In case of a block, it will help conduct a careful investigation into the place. The medical staff may suggest taking Chiari malformation non-surgical treatment with this condition type.
- Signs of sleep apnea: In case of such symptoms, a sleep study is necessary. By taking this, the health service provider will decide whether or not you need a cure.
There are also several things to avoid with Chiari malformation. Physical activities such as wrestling, gymnastics and also contact sports are of advised avoidance. In order to stay healthy, patients should also follow the doctor’s instructions and have regular health checks with the doctor.
Hope that with our article, you can now equip yourself with knowledge of Chiari malformation type 1 treatment and detect if there’s any abnormalities.
