In this malformation, the lower processes of the little brain (cerebellum) sags from the main opening in the skull base where the spinal cord leaves the brain and compresses the spinal cord. Congenital malformation of the space where the cerebellum lies is thought to cause these problems in later years. Patients present with severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, loss of balance, twitching in the face and arms, weakness in arms and legs and a feeling of heaviness on shoulders. In the more advanced forms of this disease, widening the canal with surgery is inevitable. Otherwise, extremely dangerous secondary problems like accumulation of fluid in the spine and brain (syringomyelia and hydrocephalus) can develop and lead to paralysis. This operation can be performed without any problems in experienced hands and all symptoms of the patient improve dramatically.
ARNOLD-CHİARİ SENDROMU