Arnold-Chiari Malformation

Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Arnold-Chiari Malformation is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

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• Arnold-Chiari Malformation
• Cerebellomedullary Malformation Syndrome
• ACM

Disorder Subdivisions

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

General Discussion

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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

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American Syringomyelia Alliance Project, Inc. (ASAP)

300 N. Green Street, Suie 412

Longview, TX 75601

Tel: (903)236-7079

Fax: (903)757-7456

Tel: (800)272-7282

Email: info@asap.org

Internet: 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

Tel: (888)663-4637

Email: Askus@marchofdimes.com

Internet: 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

Tel: (800)621-3141

Email: sbaa@sbaa.org

Internet: http://www.sbaa.org



Hydrocephalus Association

870 Market Street

Suite 705

San Francisco, CA 94102

USA

Tel: 4157327040

Fax: 4157327044

Tel: 8885983789

Email: info@hydroassoc.org

Internet: 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

Tel: (800)352-9424

Email: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov

Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/



Canadian Syringomyelia Network

69 Penny Crescent

Markham

Ontario, L3P 5X7

Canada

Tel: 9054718278

Fax: 9059444844

Email: barb@csn.ca

Internet: http://www.csn.ca



Hydrocephalus Support Group, Inc.

P.O. Box 4236

Chesterfield, MO 63006-4236

USA

Tel: 6365328228

Fax: 3142515871

Email: hydrodb@earthlink.net



Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc.

930 Woodcock Rd

Suite 225

Orlando, FL 32803

USA

Tel: 4078950802

Fax: 4078950824

Email: staff@birthdefects.org

Internet: http://www.birthdefects.org



World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association

31 Newtown Woods Road

Newtown Square, PA 19073

Tel: (610)353-4737

Email: internautbhm2@comcast.net

Internet: http://www.wacma.com

For a Complete Report

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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:   4/19/2005

Copyright   1986, 1995, 2002, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.