Re: Intro / Chiari--Bill

[Guest guest]

> BlankBill,

> What is Chiari and SM ? I'm confused, is this another form of

MSA?

, here's a definition of Chiari I:

The Chiari I Malformation is considered a

congenital malformation, although there have

been some reported cases of an acquired

form. It is characterized by a small or

misshapen posterior fossa (the compartment

in the back of the skull), a reduction in

cerebrospinal fluid pathways and a protrusion

of the cerebellar tonsils through the bottom of

the skull (foramen magnum) into the spinal

canal. The tonsils would normally be round

but often become elongated as they protrude

down the spinal canal. Diagnosis can be difficult because not all

patients will have the classical sign of deeply herniated tonsils.

Here's a definition of Syringomyelia (SM):

Syringomyelia, often referred to as SM, is a chronic

disorder involving the spinal cord. For reasons that

are only now being understood, cerebrospinal fluid

enters the spinal cord, forming a cavity known as a

syrinx. (Doctors sometimes use other words such

as cyst, hydromyelia or syringohydromyelia) This

syrinx often expands and elongates over time,

destroying the center of the spinal cord. As the

nerve fibers inside the spinal cord are damaged, a

wide variety of symptoms can occur, depending

upon the size and location of the syrinx.

These 2 sites are found at the following links where you get a more

detailed description:

http://www.asap4sm.com/chiariwho.html

http://www.asap4sm.com/syringo.html

Chiari and Syringomyelia are NOT another form of MSA. They are

disorders whose symptoms often mimick other disorders and are often

missed or misdiagnosed. It happened to us!

ES

[Guest guest]

,

No, Chiari is a birth defect where the spine does not completely enclose

the spinal cord.(normally it grows around the cord by a few years of age).

 Syrnix is a cyst that sometimes forms because of pressure of the skull  rubbing

on the spinal cord due to the lack of protection of the spine for the spinal

cord due to the Chiari.  ) Clear as mud - right )

If the Chiari is causing a syrnix, and cuasing problems, they can operate

- which usually means enlarging the hole ib the skull and maybe grinding

off some of the upper one or two vertebrae.  This takes the pressure off

the spinal cord and hopefully the syrnix and associated problems go away.

 However, they must grind away bone within a hairs width of the spinal cord,

so there is a chance of permanent paralysis.  There is also the chance that

the damage is already permanent and the operation will be useless.  But there

is a fair chance that you can recover completely.

So all in all, you need to talk to a doctor or two or even three before getting

the operation.  We have always had good communication with our family doctor

and get his advice on matters of this magnitude.  We have also discussed

matters like this with my cousins who are doctors to get the pros and cons

of the operations before moving ahead.

How are you doing in sunny Florida?  Or is it sunny?

Take care,  Bill

Ramm wrote:

Blank

Bill,

    What is Chiari and SM ? I'm confused, is this another form of

MSA?