Introduction
Chiari Malformation is diagnosed when the skull and brain (cerebellum) put pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord. This leads to and obstructs the flow of fluid (cerebral spinal fluid) causing a variety of symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, muscle weakness, insomnia, breathing problems, neck pain, numbness, depression, tingling in the arms and legs, as well as swallowing problems for children/adolescents and adults.
Surgery for individuals with Chiari Malformation is not seen as a cure but rather an effective treatment, meaning individuals who suffer with Chiari Malformation will continue to have symptoms and difficulties throughout the course of their life. In some cases, individuals will have to have multiple surgeries due to developing other conditions such as Syringomyelia, Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, or a tethered spinal cord (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2017).
Here at Fight Chiari UK we support children, adolescents and adults who suffer with Chiari Malformation. We also offer support to family members who have children who suffer with Chiari Malformation. .
The British medical journal states that 8 in 1,000 individuals are affected by Chiari Malformation and that some individuals are not actually diagnosed until severe symptoms are presented (BMJ Open 2021). A lot of these individuals do not receive support for things like equipment, treatment and specialist suregery. At Fight Chiari Uk we support these individuals to get the help they need through providing funds for these individuals for their specific need. We also raise awareness and do fundraising events to raise funds for people who suffer with Chiari Malformation and accept external donations where possible for our cause