What is the Chiari malformation?
Chiari malformation is a congenital malformation in which parts of the cerebellum descend into the spinal canal. This disrupts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and can lead to pressure on the spinal cord.
The symptoms vary greatly: some sufferers have hardly any symptoms, while others suffer from severe headaches, dizziness, balance problems, vision or swallowing problems. In children, developmental delays, breathing disorders or poor posture such as scoliosis can also occur.
The diagnosis is usually made using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Depending on the severity, either waiting and monitoring or surgery is performed to relieve the pressure and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Aids that are frequently used in the Chiari malformation:
Aids and support for everyday life
Depending on the severity and extent of the symptoms, various aids can help to make everyday life safer and alleviate pain:
- Positioning & relief: special neck support pillows or orthopaedic positioning pillows help to minimize pressure on the back of the head when lying down and support a neutral position of the cervical spine.
- Mobility & safety: In the case of pronounced balance disorders or dizziness, walking aids or rollators provide safety and prevent falls. In the case of severe muscle weakness, a (lightweight) wheelchair can maintain mobility.
- Protection for ataxia: If coordination of the hands is severely restricted, adapted everyday aids such as non-slip pads, thickened handles for cutlery or specialized drinking aids can help.
- Monitoring: For children with breathing difficulties, mobile monitors (pulse oximeters) provide parents with the necessary security at night.
- Stabilization of the trunk: If scoliosis develops as a result of the malformation, custom-made corsets or stabilizing therapy chairs may be necessary to support posture.
Learn more
You can find more helpful information about Rett syndrome here:
www.rett.de