Arnold-Chiari Malformation (ACM) THE WORSE HEADACHE EVER!

I have recentty come across this condition called Arnold-Chiari Malformation. My daughter is in Medical school with a view of studying neurosurgery and this came up in a recent conversation.This condition was featured recently on Discovery Health Channel "mystery diagnosis".

It is very difficult to diagnose ACM because some of its symptoms are very vague and could be caused by numerous other disorders. The National Institute of Health (NIH) describes this disorder as a rare disease that affects about 200,000 persons in the USA.

Let me attempt to explain what happens in ACM.The brain is protected by three layers the Pia, arachnoid and Dura Mater. The Dura Mater or the latin derivitive of "tough mother" is a tough leather-like inflexible layer of tisues covering the exterior surface of the brain and spinal Cord. The Dura mater is not only responsible for protecting and containing the sensitive brain cells but also serves as a container for the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is responsible for the transport of nourishment and the transmission of impulses to support brain function.

In ACM. the Cerebellum (brain in a brain) situated at the base of the brain begins to be shoved into the spinal column similar to meat being squeezed into a sausage skin.

There, it is competing with the spinal Cord for the limited space in the Spinal column. This causes interference of the functioning of the Cerebellum hence the symptoms that I will describe later.

The Cerebellum's is about the size of a peach and is located at the base of the brain. Its responsibilities include controlling things like sensory perception, coordinating movement, planning, and motor skills. It sends information to the body about maintenance of equilibrium, balance, regulation of muscle tension, and coordination of limb control.

In patients with Chiari, the midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum are all crowded together and literally being stuffed into the spinal column along with the spinal cord.This renders the cerebellum's functions impaired to varying extents.This blockage also impedes the flow of the cerebrospinal fliud and increases the pressure within the brain and around the Spinal Cord.

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Neckpain
• Tiredness
• Stiffness
• Vomitting
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Gagging
• Muscle weakness in face and Head
• Involuntary Rapid Eye Movements
• Loss of peripheral Vision
• Hoarse Voive
• Vertigo
• Expressive Dysphasia (difficulty finding words for verbal expression)
• Double Vision
• Tinitus (Ringing in the ears)
• Sudden pain around the eyes
• Weakness in extremities
• Loss of sensation
• Insomnia
• Epilepsy

DIAGNOSIS

This condition is often asymtomatic or exhibiting vague symptoms that can be misdiagnosed for years.There are four types of ACMs labelled ACM 1-IV with more extensive symptom clusters and usually increased debilitation at the ACM IV stage.

The diagnosis usually is determined by way of a general medical assessments including neurological screens, Skull Xrays , EEG, CAT Scans and MRI. The visualization of an herniated cerebellum is usually the conclusive findings for Arnold-Chari Malformation.

Treatment is dependent on the severity of the malformation and the related symptoms. Two of the primary goals of treatment are decompression to relieve the pressure on the brain and spinal cord as well as reducing the restricted flow of the Cerebrospinal Fluid.

There may need to be a crainiotomy or opening of the skull to access the brain, a repair of the Dura Mater using a reinforcing patch,an aperture (widening of the space) within the spinal column or a Basilar Impression (the pushing back of the brain into the skull).

It is clear that any brain disorder and surgery poses a risk of greater disability and death, so treatment is weighted against the risks and best possible outcomes.

Please watch the videos, visit the links and support the "Pillows that Support the World" and the "Angel within me" here: http://www.medpillow.com/index2.html ; http://www.pressenter.com/~wacma