Chiari malformation is an uncommon condition involving the brain tissue which extends into the spinal canal. This usually occurs when part of the person’s skull is either abnormally small or misshapen and thereby presses upon the brain in order to force it downwards. Depending upon the anatomy of brain tissue which is displaced into the spinal canal, neurologists categorize chiari malformation defects into three main types, type I, type II and type III. Treatment options for chiari malformation depend upon the severity, form and symptoms associated with the defect. Though no treatment is required in some chiari malformation cases, others undergo regular monitoring, medications and surgery as treatment for the defect.
Causes of Chiari Malformation
Type I chiari malformation occurs when section of the skull containing cerebellum is too small or deformed. This extends pressure and crowds the patient’s brain and subsequently pushes the lower part of the cerebellum into the upper spinal canal. Type II chiari malformation is almost always associated with myelomeningocele, which is a form of spina bifida. This can interfere with normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid when the cerebellum is pushed into the upper portion of spinal canal. Subsequently, this leads to blockage of signals transmitted from brain to body or result in buildup of spinal fluid in spinal cord or in brain of the patient. Eventually chiari malformation can cause neurological signs and symptoms due to pressure from cerebellum upon lower brainstem or the spinal cord.
Treatment Options for Chiari Malformation
While regular monitoring and medications for chiari malformation is the first line of treatment, surgical intervention is most often utilized by neurosurgeons as treatment for symptomatic chiari malformations. Goal of chiari decompression is however to stop progression of changes in autonomy of spinal canal and brain while easing or stabilizing symptoms at the same time. Chiari decompression surgery can most often reduce pressure on spinal cord and cerebellum while restoring normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Posterior fossa craniectomy or posterior fossa decompression is the most common surgical option for chiari malformation which involves removing a small section of bone from back of the skull. This is performed to give more space to the brain and for relieving pressure at the same time. This operation is successful in most chiari malformation patients, although it may not be able to reverse the damage caused in case nerve injury in spinal canal had already occurred prior to surgical intervention.
Affordable Chiari Malformation Neurosurgery in India
Neurosurgery in India is an excellent opportunity for international patients willing to travel to other countries for affordable medical procedures. While neurosurgery treatment cost is reasonably priced, neurosurgeons in India are considered to be some of the most reputed doctors who are adept in performing the most complex operations involving the brain and the spinal cord. In fact, overseas patients can save substantial amounts of their hard earned money by undergoing affordable chiari malformation neurosurgery in India.
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