What is Chiari malformation?

Chiari malformation is a malformation of the brain that causes structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. It can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness in the head and face, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, nausea, and, in severe cases paralysis.

How do members experience Chiari malformation?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with Chiari malformation*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for Chiari malformation*

Who has Chiari malformation on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 6
20s 36
30s 123
40s 191
50s 207
60s 87
70+ 27

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 73
Female 595