Arnold-Chiari Malformation

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Arnold-Chiari Malformationis not the name you expected.

Synonyms

Arnold-Chiari Malformation
Cerebellomedullary Malformation Syndrome
ACM

Disorder Subdivisions

Chiari Type I (Chiari Malformation I)
Chiari Type II (Chiari Malformation II)

General Discussion

Arnold-Chiari malformation is a rare malformation of the brain that is sometimes, but not always, apparent at birth. It is characterized by abnormalities in the area where the brain and spinal cord meet that cause part of the cerebellum to protrude through the bottom of the skull (foramen magnum) into the spinal canal. This interferes with the flow of cerebral spinal fluid to and from the brain, leading to accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid in the empty spaces of the spine and brain. The portion of the cerebellum that protrudes into the spinal canal can become elongated and is called the "cerebellar tonsils" because it resembles the tonsils.

There are four types of Chiari malformation. Depending on the type, the impact on the affected individual may range from mild to severe.

Resources

American Syringomyelia Alliance Project, Inc. (ASAP)
300 N. Green Street, Suite 412
Longview
TX
75601
Tel: (903)236-7079
Fax: (903)757-7456
800: (800)272-7282
info@asap.org
http://www.asap.org

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains
NY
10605
Tel: (914)428-7100
Fax: (914)997-4763
800: (888)663-4637
Askus@marchofdimes.com
http://www.marchofdimes.com

Spina Bifida Association of America
4590 MacArthur Boulevard NW
Suite 250
Washington
DC
20007-4226
Tel: (202)944-3285
Fax: (202)944-3295
800: (800)621-3141
sbaa@sbaa.org
http://www.sbaa.org

Hydrocephalus Association
870 Market Street
Suite 705
San Francisco
CA
94102
USA
Tel: (415)732-7040
Fax: (415)732-7044
800: (888)598-3789
pip@hydroassoc.org
http://www.hydroassoc.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda
MD
20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
800: (800)352-9424
braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Canadian Syringomyelia Network
69 Penny Crescent
Markham
Ontario
L3P 5X7
Canada
Tel: 9054718278
Fax: 9059444844
barb@csn.ca
http://www.csn.ca

Hydrocephalus Support Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 4236
Chesterfield
MO
63006-4236
USA
Tel: (636)532-8228
Fax: (314)251-5871
hydrodb@earthlink.netBirth Defect Research for Children
930 Woodcock Rd
Suite 225
Orlando
FL
32803
USA
Tel: (407)895-0802
Fax: (407)895-0824
staff@birthdefects.org
http://www.birthdefects.org

MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay
WI
54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
800: (877)336-5333
mums@netnet.net
http://www.netnet.net/mums/

World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association
31 Newtown Woods Road
Newtown Square
PA
19073
Tel: (610)353-4737
internautbhm2@comcast.net
http://www.wacma.com

American Association of Neurological Surgeons
5550 Meadowbrook Drive
Rolling Meadows
IL
60008-3852
Tel: (847)378-0500
Fax: (847)378-0600
800: (888)566-2267
info@aans.org
http://www.NeurosurgeryToday.org and http://www.AANS.org

C&S Patient Education Foundation
320 Osprey Court
Wexford
PA
15090
USA
Tel: (724)940-0116
Fax: (724)940-0172Chiari and Syringomyelia Network
4231 N. Winfield Scott Plaza #7
Scottsdale
AZ
85251
USA
Tel: (480)350-7177
800: (866)661-7607
csinfo@chiarisn.org
http://www.chiarisn.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 4/19/2008
Copyright 1986, 1995, 2002, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: April 19, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.