What are the symptoms of Chiari malformation?

What are the symptoms of Chiari malformation?

Symptoms vary from person to person and range from no symptoms to mild to severe symptoms. In some people, symptoms are present at birth. In others, symptoms appear in late childhood or adulthood. Symptoms may also get better or worse at different points in time. Common symptoms include:

• Headache pain: This is the most common symptom. Headache can start or worsen after coughing, sneezing or straining and often occur at the back of head. Pain may spread to the neck and shoulder. Pain is described as throbbing, stabbing or sharp.
• Balance and movement problems: Muscle weakness, coordination issues and numbness in the limbs can lead to problems with fine motor skills. Chiari malformation can also cause dizziness, vertigo and balance problems.
• Problems with hearing and vision: Some people hear a buzzing or ringing sound (tinnitus) and may have trouble hearing. Double vision (diplopia), blurred vision, abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) and sensitivity to light (photophobia) can also occur.
• Trouble with eating, drinking and speaking: Swallowing problems (dysphagia) can occur. Babies with Chiari malformation may vomit, gag or drool a lot. They may have trouble eating, and they may not be able to gain enough weight to develop properly.
• Scoliosis: The spine can become curved, a condition called scoliosis.
• Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia can occur, sometimes due to pain from headaches. Some people also experience sleep apnea (trouble breathing while sleeping).
• Bladder and bowel issues: Loss of control over the bladder and bowel can result from Chiari malformation.
• Other symptoms: Other symptoms include chronic fatigue, palpitations, fainting episodes and tingling or burning sensations in fingers, toes or lips.