Symptoms of Arnold Chiari I malformation

Given the data you provided, it seems likely that the current diagnoses might be Arnold-Chiari syndrome. It is a rare genetic disorder in which parts of the brain are formed abnormally. Because the base of the skull attached to the spinal cord is small, the brain stem, cerebellum, or cerebellar brain tissues are squeezed downward through an opening at the bottom of the skull.


Although this malformation is present at birth, there may not be any symptoms of a problem until adulthood. People with Arnold-Chiari I malformations have no symptoms. Typically, with an Arnold-Chiari I malformation symptoms appear as the person reaches the third or fourth decade of life.


One of the most common symptoms of Arnold-Chiari malformations is a headache. The headache generally begins in the neck or base of the skull and may radiate through the back of the head. When doctors diagnose Arnold-Chiari malformation, they classify the malformation by its severity. An Arnold-Chiari I malformation is the least severe.


The recommended treatment for an Arnold-Chiari I malformation is surgery to relieve the pressure on the cerebellar area. Individuals who are recovering from surgery to repair an Arnold-Chiari malformation may require physical and/or occupational therapy. Most doctors and researchers agree that long-term prognosis for persons with Arnold-Chiari I malformations is excellent. Full recovery from surgery may take several months. During that time, patients may continue to experience certain of the symptoms.