What should you not do if you have Chiari malformation?

Trampolines, roller coasters, scuba diving, and other activities that apply G forces to the neck. Contact sports to avoid include football, soccer (heading the ball), diving, running, weight lifting, etc. Constipation and straining during bowel movements. Straining can cause formation or worsening of a syrinx.

Can you live a normal life with Chiari malformation?

Patients with Chiari type I malformation, the mildest form of the condition, are typically diagnosed in adulthood and have a normal life expectancy and good outcomes with treatment and/or surgery. Despite extensive malformations, some patients with Chiari II have normal intelligence and can function independently.

Is Chiari malformation a serious condition?

In some people, Chiari malformation can become a progressive disorder and lead to serious complications. In others, there may be no associated symptoms, and no intervention is necessary. The complications associated with this condition include: Hydrocephalus.

Can Chiari cause death?

Neurological and vascular complications of Arnold-Chiari malformation treated with ventriculoatrial shunting may result in sudden or unexpected death. Two patients with Arnold-Chiari malformation and ventriculoatrial shunting had variable clinical manifestations and diagnostic difficulties.

Can Chiari cause mental illness?

A CM can block the normal flow of this fluid and cause pressure within the head that can result in mental impairment and/or an enlarged or misshapen skull. Severe hydrocephalus, if left untreated, can be fatal. Hydrocephalus can occur with any type of Chiari malformation, but is most commonly associated with Type II.

Can syringomyelia cause sudden death?

Risk of sudden death during sleep in syringomyelia and syringobulbia. are additional respiratory hazards of this disorder. Of note is the fact that of the 12 patients described in the literature with SM/SB, 5 did die suddenly.

What are the causes of Chiari malformation (CM)?

CM has several different causes. Most often it is caused by structural defects in the brain and spinal cord that occur during fetal development. This can be the result of genetic mutations or a maternal diet that lacked certain vitamins or nutrients. This is called primary or congenital Chiari malformation.

What to expect after Chiari surgery?

Following traditional Chiari malformation surgery, you can expect to be on activity restrictions for 6-12 weeks. This includes limits on exercise, lifting and household activities, which are gradually lifted as your body heals.

What is the life expectancy of someone with syringomyelia?

The life expectancy of people with syringomyelia depends on the severity of each case. Life expectancy is generally similar to that of the general population, but in cases where syringomyelia manifests itself severely and surgical intervention is needed, the prognosis can be worse and life expectancy less than that of the general population.

Does Chiari malformation get worse?

In some cases, a Chiari malformation can become progressively worse and develop severe complications that prove very harmful and debilitating. Complications may occur due to factors relating to the root cause such as congenital deformation or the condition simply can just get worse on its own.