What are the complications of Chiari malformation?

What are the complications of Chiari malformation?

Chiari malformation can cause severe health problems and developmental delays. Complications include:

• Hydrocephalus: This life-threatening condition occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain. Hydrocephalus happens when the CSF can’t drain. As CSF builds up, it causes pressure within the head and can result in mental disabilities and/or a misshaped skull. It can be fatal if not treated. A flexible tube (a shunt) may be placed to drain the CSF. This complication is most often seen in Chiari malformation type II.
• Syringomyelia and Hydromyelia: When CSF is not flowing properly at the junction between the brain and the spine, some CSF can accumulate in the spine. This fluid build up can cause damage to the spinal cord and causes a variety of health issues. These problems can include movement and balance problems, pain, muscle weakness, muscle spasms and contractions, numbness/decreased sensation to hot and cold, and loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Tethered cord syndrome: People with chiari malformations may have associated spinal conditions such as spina bifida. In some forms, there may be an abnormal attachment of the spinal cord to the spine that causes tension on the nerves with growth and movement. Additionally, children born with myelomeningocele (a severe form of spina bifida) are at increased risk for developing tethered cord syndrome as they grow. This occurs when the spinal cord becomes attached to the spine due to scarring from the original closure surgery. With tethered cord syndrome, there can be slow and progressive nerve damage that affect the muscles of the lower body and legs, and bowel and bladder function.