|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Chiari Chiari I Malformation is a congenital disorder where the rear cranial cavity is not large enough and, as a result, causes the lower part of the Cerebellum protrude down into the spinal canal. This results in tissue compression and hinders normal spinal fluid flow. Chiari (pronounced kee-ar'-ee) I Malformation occurs more often in women than men, but the exact cause is still unknown. However, it has been suggested that the malformation occurs during early embryonic development. (ChiariCare.com) Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, double vision, unusual eye movements, pain or numbness in the face or extremities and ringing in the ears. It is common for symptoms to occur in early adulthood, but as in Kaya's case she experiences symptoms as a toddler. |
|
|
Syringomyelia Syringomyelia (sear-IN-go-my-EEL-ya) 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 (may also be described as a cyst). 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 on the size and location of the syrinx. There are two major types of Syringomyelia. In most cases it is related to Chiari I Malformation. It can also occur as a complication of trauma, meningitis, tumor, arachnoiditis, or a tethered spinal cord. In these cases the syrinx forms in the section of the spinal cord damaged by these conditions. As more people are surviving spinal cord injuries, more cases of post-traumatic Syringomyelia are being diagnosed as the syrinx car form years after the trauma. (ASAP.org) Symptoms may include loss of sensitivity, especially to hot and cold, impairment of motor skills, headaches, chronic pain, loss of bladder control or muscle weakness and may occur in a variety of combinations.
|
|
|